Osimhen had emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards after a sensational 2022–23 campaign with Napoli, scoring 26 league goals and helping the club secure their first Serie A title in 33 years. His performances placed him firmly on the radar of several elite clubs, including the Premier League giants.
At the time, McCarthy was part of the coaching staff at Manchester United under then manager Erik ten Hag. The South African, who had input in striker recruitment, revealed that Osimhen was highly regarded internally and was viewed as an ideal fit for the team’s attacking system.
However, the biennial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) — which typically takes place midway through the European club season — ultimately proved a decisive factor. Clubs are required to release eligible players for international duty, often resulting in key absences during crucial domestic and continental fixtures.
Speaking to Newsday on the BBC World Service, McCarthy explained that the prospect of losing a marquee signing for several weeks was a major concern.
“If you spend £100 million on a player, you don’t want to lose him for Afcon,” he said. “It was a big stumbling block. Losing him for so many important matches, the team suffers not having the main striker there.”
According to McCarthy, Osimhen had initially been “at the top of the list,” but concerns over his potential absence during key periods of the season led the club to reconsider. “Victor Osimhen’s name got scratched off — not a player of interest because of that,” he added.
Instead, United turned their attention elsewhere and secured the signing of Danish forward Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta in August 2023 for £72 million. Højlund went on to score 26 goals in 95 appearances before joining Napoli on loan last September.
Osimhen, meanwhile, continued to build his reputation on the international stage. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2023 and later moved to Galatasaray on loan in September 2024, before completing a permanent transfer to the Turkish side last July.
The revelation sheds light on how international tournament scheduling can influence transfer strategies at the highest level, particularly when clubs weigh the financial investment in a player against the potential impact of mid-season absences.