Rio Ferdinand Urges Manchester United to Prioritize Osimhen Over Gyokeres in Summer Striker Hunt

Victor Osimhen has emerged as the striker Manchester United must sign, according to club legend Rio Ferdinand, who believes the Nigerian’s Champions League pedigree and lethal finishing edge out Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. Ferdinand, speaking to The Mirror, insisted the Red Devils cannot afford another gamble upfront after a disastrous 2024/25 campaign that saw United crash to 15th place — their worst Premier League finish in the modern era.

United managed just 49 goals in 38 league games, a sharp contrast to Gyokeres’ explosive form in Portugal, where he netted 39 goals and assisted eight to lead Sporting CP to the Primeira Liga title. Yet Ferdinand insists Osimhen’s European experience and adaptability at the highest level make him the smarter long-term investment. “Osimhen has done it in the Champions League. He’s played under real pressure at Napoli. That’s what United need now,” he said.

The 25-year-old Nigerian striker bagged 17 goals in 32 appearances last season, despite struggling with injuries. He also played a key role in Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto win, ending a 33-year title drought, and has drawn interest from Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich. With a release clause hovering around €120 million, United would need to act fast and decisively to secure his signature.

Rasmus Højlund, who joined last summer in a €75 million deal, showed flashes of brilliance but managed only 10 league goals, while backup striker Joshua Zirkzee was mostly ineffective in his loan spell. United’s misfiring attack saw them dumped out of Europe early and humiliated by rivals, leading to major calls for a complete rebuild under the anticipated new structure spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.

Ferdinand emphasized that a marquee signing like Osimhen sends a strong message: “You need a guy who thrives on the big stage. Osimhen is that guy. He’s done it for Nigeria. He’s done it for Napoli. He can do it at Old Trafford.”

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli has cooled, opening the door for negotiations. United scouts were spotted in Italy in late May, and talks with the player’s representatives are reportedly ongoing, although no official bid has been tabled.

With pre-season kicking off July 15, time is ticking for United to act. Osimhen’s profile — fast, physical, clinical, and proven — aligns with what Old Trafford fans crave: a striker who can rise under pressure and restore the club’s attacking pride.