Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
Manchester United Football Club have extended striker Odion Ighalo’s loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of January 2021, the Premier League club said on Monday.
The Nigerian striker’s stay was initially due to end on May 31 but he will now remain with the Reds until the end of January 2021, enabling him to build on an impressive start to life with the club he supported as a boy.
The 30-year-old made an impressive start to life at United, scoring four times in eight games against Club Brugge, Derby County (2) and LASK.
Ighalo’s current deal with Shanghai Shenhua runs out in December 2022 and he is expected to sign a new contract until the end of 2024.
The former Nigerian international, who has scored two goals apiece for Manchester United in the Europa League and FA Cup, will hope to open his account in the Premier League when the season, suspended since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resumes on June 17.
Manchester United have already had to pay Shanghai Shenhua a loan fee for the initial five-month spell and it is understood the Chinese side will receive another payment from the Premier League heavyweight for the extended period.
While there have been no discussions to keep the AFCON Golden Boot winner at the club on a permanent basis, the club’s coach, Mr Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has been keen from the start to have Odion Ighalo in his squad for the end of the season.
The club in a statement on its website noted that, “Today’s confirmation is a timely boost for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as he continues to prepare his squad for this month’s resumption of competitive football.”
