Transfer Centre

Odion Ighalo "looking forward to spending more time" with Manchester United

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 April 2020

Manchester United loanee Odion Ighalo reiterates his desire to join the club on a permanent basis, despite having a lucrative contract offer on the table from Shanghai.

Odion Ighalo has reiterated his desire to turn his loan spell at Manchester United into a permanent deal.

The boyhood Red Devils fan secured a dream move to Old Trafford on deadline day of the January transfer window, joining the 20-time English champions on loan until May 31.

However, the 2019-20 season will now extend beyond that date due to the coronavirus shutdown, meaning that United will need to renegotiate with Ighalo's parent club Shanghai Shenhua if they are to keep him until the end of the campaign.

FIFA released a statement today confirming that expiring contracts can be extended until the new end date of the season, whenever that may be, and Ighalo is in no doubt that he wants to stay in Manchester.

"I am inspired by a lot of things at United. I am really inspired and I am looking forward to spending more time with the team," Ighalo is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"Seeing the club from the outside you don't know how big it is. But when you are inside you know how big the club is. I am inspired by the way the club is structured, I am inspired by the direction of the club. I am inspired by the development of the young players and how they are coming through from the grassroots to the first team.

"I am a fighter, I never give up, I go for what I believe I can achieve and I give my best, 100%. No matter the outcome of the game, win or lose, I always give 100% from the beginning. With hard work and determination, you can achieve what you want in life. Talent is not enough in football. When you have talent and you don't work, it is not enough. Put in the hard work and I think you will have what it takes to achieve your dream."

Shanghai Shenhua are thought to have offered Ighalo a mammoth £400,000-a-week contract to stay at the club rather than joining United on a permanent basis.