Osimhen Was a Top Transfer Target
Speaking on United’s transfer plans, McCarthy disclosed that Osimhen was high on Manchester United’s shortlist following a sensational 2022–23 season with Napoli, where he scored 26 Serie A goals and fired the club to their first league title in 33 years.
According to McCarthy, the Nigerian forward had all the qualities needed to succeed at Old Trafford, including pace, power, pressing ability, and a ruthless eye for goal.
Despite strong admiration for Osimhen, McCarthy revealed that United’s hierarchy were uncomfortable with the idea of losing a £100 million-rated striker during key periods of the season due to AFCON commitments.
AFCON tournaments often take place mid-season, overlapping with crucial Premier League and European fixtures — a factor that ultimately worked against the deal.
With Osimhen ruled out, Manchester United shifted focus and signed Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023, seeing the Danish striker as a long-term investment without international tournament disruptions.
Osimhen eventually left Napoli, joining Galatasaray on loan in 2024 before completing a permanent transfer last year, where he has continued to attract global attention with his performances.
McCarthy’s revelation highlights how international tournaments can significantly influence elite transfer decisions, even when talent and form make a player an obvious fit. For Osimhen, AFCON proved to be a decisive factor in missing out on a dream move to Old Trafford.
Speaking on United’s transfer plans, McCarthy disclosed that Osimhen was high on Manchester United’s shortlist following a sensational 2022–23 season with Napoli, where he scored 26 Serie A goals and fired the club to their first league title in 33 years.
According to McCarthy, the Nigerian forward had all the qualities needed to succeed at Old Trafford, including pace, power, pressing ability, and a ruthless eye for goal.
Despite strong admiration for Osimhen, McCarthy revealed that United’s hierarchy were uncomfortable with the idea of losing a £100 million-rated striker during key periods of the season due to AFCON commitments.
AFCON tournaments often take place mid-season, overlapping with crucial Premier League and European fixtures — a factor that ultimately worked against the deal.
With Osimhen ruled out, Manchester United shifted focus and signed Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023, seeing the Danish striker as a long-term investment without international tournament disruptions.
Osimhen eventually left Napoli, joining Galatasaray on loan in 2024 before completing a permanent transfer last year, where he has continued to attract global attention with his performances.
McCarthy’s revelation highlights how international tournaments can significantly influence elite transfer decisions, even when talent and form make a player an obvious fit. For Osimhen, AFCON proved to be a decisive factor in missing out on a dream move to Old Trafford.
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