Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has questioned whether Victor Osimhen would be able to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Osimhen is one of several strikers currently on United's radar, with Erik ten Hag keen to add goals to his squad and ease the burden on Marcus Rashford. Osimhen's 23 goals in 30 appearances helped Napoli to a first Serie A title in 30 years earlier this month.
Harry Kane is Ten Hag's priority target, but the Reds are looking elsewhere under the assumption that Tottenham will not sell their star under any circumstances, leading them to Osimhen. But while Ferdinand admits the Nigerian would 'tick every box', the Reds defender believes it would be a 'risk' to bring him across from Italy for such massive money.
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"We need to get a No.9 in the building," former United defender Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. "There are two names that keep coming up – Osimhen and Kane. Ultimately, it is down to Kane and Daniel Levy.
"If they both say yes and want to make it happen, I think United will get it done. The numbers can’t be ridiculous. They can get blood, sweat, tears, goals and records out of Kane. Let the guy do what he needs to do now, man. Let the guy compete for Champions Leagues and (league) championships and cup competitions. They’re closer than where Spurs are, that’s the point.
"Osimhen is a different kettle of fish. He’s 24 years old, scored goals in France and Italy. Won the league (in Italy) and knows how to win leagues. He’s been a No.9 at a dominant team. Is that transferable to the Premier League? No one knows that. That’s the chance United would have to take on him.
"That’s the only risk I see. He doesn’t know the league. Ability-wise and profile he ticks every box, but there is an unknown factor. Can he adapt? I’d take either of those two and I’d be happy but Kane guarantees you 25 goals a season, there’s no doubt he would get that."
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