Man Utd could lose Ighalo this summer, claims agent
Manchester United have been warned by football agent and former Nigeria player Abdul Sule that they could lose Odion Ighalo this summer with top European clubs eyeing up a transfer.
The Nigeria striker has banged in four goals in eight appearances since arriving at Old Trafford from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January before the season was KO’d by the coronavirus crisis.
Ighalo’s Shanghai contract runs until New Year’s Eve 2021 but the Red Devils do have the option to buy in the next window, under the terms of his loan deal which expires on May 30.
The 30-year-old took a 40 per cent pay cut on his mega £300,000-a- week contract to join United but as a boyhood fan of the club and the first Nigerian to ever play for them, he has no problem with that.
United are yet to decide whether to make Ighalo’s Old Trafford move a permanent one but Sule reckons the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona will be ready to pounce if the Red Devils don’t act quickly.
Sule told Goal: “I see Odion Ighalo earning a big-money move from top European teams when his loan expires at Manchester United.
“I don’t think Man United are keen on retaining him because they seem not to value him enough to hand him a regular place. He also may not be wanted again when Marcus Rashford is fit.
“I will not advise him to return to China now despite the attractive offer but would urge him to stay in Europe. I won’t be surprised if Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid or Barcelona come for him.
“He has proven that he’s got a lot to offer at the highest level within his short stay at Man United and he can attract big brands and earn more money, playing in any of the top teams in England.
“He can always still return to China later in his career but right now, I think he has what it takes to shine in Europe.”
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted he could make Odion Ighalo’s Manchester United transfer permanent.
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And the Nigeria ace is said to be happy to take a £6million hit to his annual salary to make his Old Trafford move a permanent one.
Shanghai recently offered him a staggering new £400,000-a-week contract – throwing a permanent switch to United in doubt.
The Chinese Super League outfit may want the loan star back for when the season resumes, which is reportedly due to restart on April 18 following a dramatic reduction in cases of coronavirus.