Manchester United have completed the loan signing of Shanghai Shenhua striker Odion Ighalo for the remainder of the season, according The Athletic.
The former Watford striker becomes the first Nigerian to sign for the Red Devils.
It is believed the 30-year-old grew up supporting Man Utd and always considered this a dream move for his career, as reported by The Telegraph.
READ MORE: Video: Throwback to when Odion Ighalo scored a Premier League brace against Man Utd rivals Liverpool
James Robson of The Standard earlier suggested that Ighalo would make for a better acquisition than Bournemouth striker Joshua King, who was strongly linked with a return to Old Trafford today, as per Sky Sports — hinting that a second offer would be made after the first was rejected.
Ighalo is convinced he’s secured his dream move to United. Have to say it makes a lot more sense than King #mufc
— James Robson (@jamesrobsonES) January 31, 2020
No way did he think it would happen at this stage of his career, but United had no other choice but to dip into the January transfer market to secure an emergency signing after losing Marcus Rashford to a long-term injury.
Reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano was one of the first with the news, as seen below:
Odion Ighalo to Manchester United, here we go! Total agreement with Shanghai Shenhua for a loan with buy option. He’ll fly to UK during the weekend. 🔴 #MUFC #ManUnited
Tottenham called him but the player decided for Man Utd – he’s #MUFC fan since he was a kid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2020
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope Ighalo can bring goals to his side, along with fellow new signing Bruno Fernandes, who completed his transfer from Sporting on Thursday.
His record in England is an impressive one, scoring 40 goals and registering 11 assists in 100 appearances for Watford, where he spent two-and-a-half-years. That’s a one-in-two ratio for goal involvements – a trait that wouldn’t go amiss at United.
Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail claims United will pay a £3m loan fee as well as the player’s £100,000-a-week wages until the end of the season.
Ighalo’s loan fee said to be £3m and Utd will pay him just over £100,000-a-week until the end of the season #mufc
— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) January 31, 2020
Welcome to Manchester United, Ighalo. Congrats on making your dream a reality.
