Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo, has been signed on loan by Manchester United, a sensational move which sees him back at the Premier League.
United, on their official website, announced they have secured a six-month loan deal for Ighalo, who is presently under contract with Chinese Super League side, Shanghai Shenhua.
Sky Sports had broken the news as United reached an agreement with Ighalo on personal terms and salary over a six-month loan but the eagerly awaited confirmation from United did not come until the early hours of Saturday, February 1.
Speaking on the loan deal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, “Odion is an experienced player. He will come in and give us an option of a different type of centre-forward for the short spell he’s staying with us.
“A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here.”
Ighalo is in pre-season training with Shenhua, but the new Chinese Super League season has been delayed due to the escalation of the coronavirus.
According to Sky Sports, Tottenham also made their own late attempt to secure a loan deal for former Watford striker, Ighalo on Deadline Day.
While Ighalo is now primed to be the first Nigerian to play for Manchester United, his former Super Eagles team-mate John Obi Mikel was the first to sign a deal with the Red Devils but, at the end, he did not play for the Premier League giants.
Before quitting the National team, the form of Ighalo has been eye-catching, finishing as top scorer in African Cup of Nations – qualifying with seven goals, before scoring five at the tournament during the summer. Across all clubs in his career so far, Ighalo has scored 131 goals from 322 appearances. Premium Times
Pix: Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo
