SHANGHAI SHENHUA’S ODION IGHALO TRANSFER TO UNITED HAS A DEADLINE. UNITED HAS TO MAKE A DECISION BY SUNDAY.
Odion Ighalo secured his Manchester United move from Shanghai Shenhua on loan. He took a pay cut to make his childhood dream true. The Nigerian made also made a statement that he wanted to play till the season end. His parent club, however, is not willing to allow and will abide by the contract details.
Shanghai signed the former Watford player until 2024 on improved terms of £400,000 a week. Ighalo’s loan fee was £3m along with £130,000 adding to his weekly wages. United had to pay the amount even though there was no football since late March.
Ighalo’s transfer was a shocker for many. Everyone doubted his talent and if he can make an impact at the Old Trafford. He scored four goals in his eight games for United. His loan deal was a success which gave Manchester United the winning boost.
United gaffer Ole Gunnar Solkjaer praised Ighalo’s performances on his part. He also indicated that the Red Devils may offer him a contract extension. Odion can play up to 18 matches with the rest of the Premier League and Europa League unfinished. Ighalo did show his intent to stay but his owners think otherwise.
The talks have reached an impasse with the Chinese club demanding their player to return. The Chinese Super League, which was due to start in February, will begin in June.
Hence, Shanghai Shenhua has rejected Manchester United’s proposal, as per Guardian. United wanted Ighalo to stay at the club till the end of the season. So, they asked for a 3-month extension on his loan deal citing the delay in the English Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solkjaer brought in Ighalo in the winter transfer window to bolster his attacking options. The Nigerian International’s contract at United ends on May 31.
This will end his fairytale move to his childhood favorite club. His parent club wants him to reinforce the team in the Chinese Super League’s new season kickstarting in June.
With this three month gap, the club football and their player needs have changed significantly. Solksjaer signed Ighalo to cover up Rashford’s injury. Rashford is ready to return for Manchester United and there is no need for Ighalo certainly. Also, it will not prove useful with the economic crisis looming over the football world.
Manchester United have already spent big to bring in their starman Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese arrived along with Ighalo in the winter transfer window. He made an instant impact and provided positivity to the United camp.
The Red Devils may let go of Odion Ighalo for good with Rashford returning for their side. Rashford will link up better with Bruno Fernandes and can try for Champions League qualification.
