United's Osimhen Raid: Ferdinand's Crusade Finally Bears Fruit as INEOS Circles Nigerian Star

Manchester United appear ready to make their move for Victor Osimhen this summer, with Sports Boom reporting that INEOS have finally heeded the calls of club legend Rio Ferdinand, who has become something of a broken record in championing the Nigerian striker.

Ferdinand's long-running campaign for Osimhen intensified last July when the former defender told talkSPORT that landing the Galatasaray man would be a bargain at £50million. "He's a centre-forward, he's experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level," Ferdinand argued at the time. "I mean, £50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today's market. I'll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No. 9."

By January 2026, Ferdinand's conviction had only hardened. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he declared with absolute certainty: "Osimhen will come to United, if United offer to take Osimhen, he would go, 100%."

It appears those words have resonated in the boardroom. According to the report, the Red Devils are now preparing an aggressive push for the striker, with Ferdinand's influence among club hierarchy playing a significant part in driving the more forceful approach.

Yet United face a considerable challenge in securing their man. Bayern Munich are circling Osimhen as a long-term successor to Harry Kane, whilst Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is personally interested in bringing the Nigerian international to the Emirates.

The financial hurdle is substantial. Galatasaray are demanding €130million for Osimhen, who has delivered 18 goals and six assists across 26 matches in all competitions this season. His wage packet is equally eye-watering, with the 27-year-old earning between €15-18 million annually with bonuses factored in.

The timing adds intrigue—Osimhen will be in action against Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, offering another platform to showcase his quality to watching suitors.

United's recent transfer history provides context for the potential deal. They splashed out €85million on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer, yet the Slovenia international has struggled to make an impact in his debut campaign, managing just nine goals and one assist across 26 outings. A successful Osimhen arrival would represent a significant statement of intent, though it would cast a shadow over Sesko's Old Trafford prospects.