McCarthy: AFCON Impacted Man Utd's Osimhen Transfer Plans

Benni McCarthy, a former first team coach at Manchester United, explained that the biennial scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a significant reason why the club failed to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. The 27-year-old striker, who has been a standout player, was initially a top target for Manchester United, with a potential transfer fee of £100 million and an annual salary of £20 million.

However, McCarthy noted that the timing of AFCON, which regularly falls in the middle of the European season, made it difficult for United to proceed with the transfer. Osimhen, who scored 26 league goals in the 2022-23 season and helped Napoli secure their first Italian title in 33 years, was ultimately not signed, leading United to instead acquire Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million in August 2023.

Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray, having sealed a permanent switch to the Turkish club in July 2024.