Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Premier League

Man Utd made late transfer bid to sign ex-Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon before signing Ighalo instead

, Man Utd made late transfer bid to sign ex-Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon before signing Ighalo instead

MANCHESTER UNITED were very close to signing ex-Newcastle and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon in the January transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eventually settled on a deadline day loan move for Odion Ighalo as cover for the injured Marcus Rashford – who it is now feared could miss this summer’s Euros.

Rondon, right, says Man Utd were close to signing him before opting for Ighalo

But Rondon, who plays for Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Super League, claims United transfer chiefs spoke to his agent amid their mad scramble for a striker.

Leicester flop Islam Slimani and Bournemouth striker Josh King were also linked with moves.

But 30-year-old Venezuelan Rondon says he was “very close” to joining.

He told AS: “There was something. It was not smoke. They were rumours and very strong.

“In the end it could not be specified and now I have to focus on Dalian.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

And opening up more on what could have been, he told The Athletic: “It was all out of my hands.

“It means a lot to be linked with Manchester United because they have a great history and it must mean they think I did well in the Premier League.

“They started to talk to my agent and I was just waiting by my phone for a decision, maybe for the lawyers, but then I saw Ighalo had signed.

“It didnt get to the stage where an offer was made or anything like that, but I think it was really close.”

Asked if he was angry that he got looked over in favour of Ighalo – who took a 50 per cent pay cut to join – Rondon replied: “No, no, it’s just football.

“It’s decisions again and they obviously decided Ighalo was the best decision for them.

“I’ve played against him and I’m pleased for him.

“All I can do is keep working. I’m concentrating on Dalian, on working and learning and listening to the manager.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“After that we will have to wait and see. You just never know in this game.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Golf

Augusta National, the prestigious golf club that hosts the Masters tournament every April, is known for its beauty and exclusivity. However, behind the scenes...

Premier League

Pochettino Questions Southgate's Decision Mauricio Pochettino has subtly criticized Gareth Southgate after Ben Chilwell returned from England duty with a knee injury, casting doubt...

Premier League

Gary Neville's Opinion Manchester United legend Gary Neville has urged his former club to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer as he is...

Premier League

Chelsea Fans Concerned Chelsea fans are growing increasingly frustrated as the club's injury list continues to expand. The team is currently facing a crisis...

Premier League

Larry Lloyd's Football Career Former England and Nottingham Forest star Larry Lloyd has passed away at the age of 75. The legendary defender played...

Premier League

Bayern Munich Pursuit Fails Fulham's Joao Palhinha recently shared that a surprising transfer offer from West Ham came before his potential move to Bayern...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement