Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stirred transfer buzz by suggesting that Alejandro Garnacho should leave Old Trafford to pave the way for Victor Osimhen’s arrival. Ferdinand made this declaration during the latest episode of his Vibe with FIVE podcast on Sunday, April 6, 2025, as speculation intensifies over United’s summer hunt for a proven striker.
Garnacho, 19, has emerged as one of United’s brightest talents under Erik ten Hag, but Ferdinand believes the club must make bold decisions if they want to challenge Europe’s elite next season. He maintained that acquiring Osimhen, who has returned to Napoli after a loan spell at Galatasaray, should be prioritized—even if it means letting go of fan-favorite Garnacho.
Napoli reportedly attempted to sign Garnacho during the January transfer window but had their bid turned down. Now with Osimhen likely to be on the move this summer, Ferdinand believes a swap deal involving the Argentine winger could benefit all parties involved. “If I’m Manchester United, Victor Osimhen must arrive at the club next season. I would make it happen,” Ferdinand declared.
The 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year, Osimhen, has been a subject of strong Premier League interest, having scored 17 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell in Turkey. United, still struggling for consistent firepower upfront, see the Nigerian international as the perfect fit for their number nine role.
Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles with Manchester United, emphasized that his advice isn’t driven by a lack of admiration for Garnacho but by the urgency to fix United’s goal-scoring dilemma. “I like him. I love him. But I’d advise him to go to Napoli where he can thrive. He’d be a star in Serie A,” he added.
Garnacho, who has contributed 6 goals and 4 assists in the current campaign, remains under contract until 2028. However, with United reportedly monitoring several striker options and Osimhen holding a €130 million release clause, a player-plus-cash deal could be the key to unlocking the transfer.
Whether or not United’s board will entertain such a high-profile trade remains to be seen, but Ferdinand’s bold call has already sparked debate among fans and pundits ahead of what could be a blockbuster transfer window.