Manchester United loanee Odion Jude Ighalo is faced with the dilemma of either staying in England or going back to his parent club in China who have reportedly put an improved offer worth a massive £400,000 on the table.
However, ex-footballer and now coach Chuks Akuneto who’s a close associate of the player thinks Ighalo should put faith in his management to guide him right in the option to take at this most critical period in his career.
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“Odion is a reasonable human being and a consummate professional so I trust him to make the decision that is best for him at this stage of his career,” the Stockport County FC of England coach began.
Akuneto also admitted that it is a difficult but interesting dilemma to be in for the ex-Super Eagles striker.
“On one hand you have a chance to pen a permanent deal at one of the biggest clubs in the world. On the other hand, you have £400,000 being dangled at you from the other side. This is where Odion’s management team comes in and I’m convinced Kingdom Sports Management Solutions will help him to come up with the best option. He’s learnt to trust them up to this point and that’s why he’s where he is at the moment,” Akuneto who featured for Nigerian clubsides like Stationery Stores, ACB, Udoji, Concord and Rangers before joining Racing Baffousam of Cameroon in the 98/99 season, said.
Akuneto, who had previously coached FC United of Manchester, reckons that the fact that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is building a new team makes the prospect of staying at Old Trafford very appealing for Ighalo.
“At the best of times, it is very difficult to turn down a contract from an institution like Manchester United. The present upturn in their fortunes under the manager makes it doubly exciting and I’m sure Odion will make the right call.”
Ighalo reportedly took a paycut to join boyhood club United last January on a six-month loan deal but his barn-storming performance with four goals in eight appearances has fuelled talks of a permanent contract.
Parent club Shanghai Shenhua, desperate to hold on to their prized asset, offered a deal to make him one of the best paid players in world football.
