Victor Osimhen: The AFCON Factor in Manchester United’s Missed Opportunity

Victor Osimhen, now playing for Galatasaray, was a prime target for Manchester United before ultimately joining the Turkish side. A key reason the Premier League club didn’t pursue a deal more aggressively? The timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy.

Osimhen’s Rise and United’s Interest

After a stellar 2022-23 season with Napoli, where he scored 26 league goals and helped the club secure its first Italian title in 33 years, Osimhen attracted attention from Europe’s elite. McCarthy, who served under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, revealed he believed Osimhen would be a “perfect fit” for the Red Devils. He was actively involved in identifying potential striker signings.

The AFCON Stumbling Block

However, the biennial AFCON tournament, often held mid-season, presented a significant obstacle. McCarthy explained, “If you spend £100m on a player, you don’t want to lose him for AFCON.” The concern was losing a key player for an extended period during crucial matches. This ultimately led United to explore other options, eventually signing Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.

“Losing him for so many important matches, the team suffers not having the main striker there. So the decision was made. Literally [a] big part was because of the AFCON and Victor Osimhen’s name got scratched off – not a player of interest because of that.”

Osimhen’s Journey Continues

Despite missing out on a move to Manchester United, Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year in 2023. He initially joined Galatasaray on loan in September 2024 before securing a permanent transfer to the Turkish club last July.

Ten Hag’s Vision and Osimhen’s Character

McCarthy believed Osimhen would have thrived under Erik ten Hag, praising his goal-scoring ability, work ethic, and mental fortitude. “He scores goals, he works exceptionally hard, and he’s a player [who is] immune to the noise,” McCarthy stated. He added that Osimhen’s background had prepared him to handle the pressures of playing for a club like Manchester United.

AFCON Schedule Changes and Future Implications

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that AFCON will become a quadrennial tournament starting in 2028, aiming to better align with the international football calendar. While McCarthy acknowledges this change, he believes CAF could further improve collaboration with FIFA and UEFA to avoid clashes with club competitions.

“I think Caf could work better with Fifa and the European community, Uefa, on when [to] stage these tournaments so that it doesn’t jeopardise players’ careers,” McCarthy said. He suggests scheduling the tournament during a league break or in the June-July window.

The Osimhen saga highlights the ongoing club versus country dilemma and the impact of international tournaments on club transfer strategies. The change to a quadrennial AFCON may alleviate some of these concerns, potentially opening doors for more African talent in top European leagues.

Further Reading: FIFA Official Website, CAF Online