Former AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King has opened up on how his dream move to Manchester United FC collapsed, revealing that the club’s decision to sign Odion Ighalo ultimately ended his hopes.
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King disclosed that he was on the verge of completing a move to Old Trafford during the January transfer window but was left devastated after United opted to bring in Ighalo instead during the COVID-19 period.
Speaking in an interview quoted by AfrikFoot, the Norwegian forward admitted the missed opportunity was a major emotional setback.
“The dream was to play for United,” King said.
“Now United are struggling with a striker. They have a Norwegian coach who is interested.”
The 34-year-old revealed he was even willing to make significant sacrifices to secure the move, including joining on a free transfer. However, Bournemouth’s valuation became a stumbling block.
“Put an offer on the table, and I came there for free. And then you say no to £25m. He (then head coach Eddie Howe) said: ‘Joshua, I won’t stand in your way, but the club wants x number of millions.’”
King vividly recalled the moment he realized the deal had fallen through, describing the emotional toll it took on him.
“I just sat in the hot tub for two or three hours waiting for the phone. I called my agent, and then I remember reading ‘Ighalo ready for United’. Then I was completely devastated.”
He added that uncertainty around the final decision—whether it came from the manager or the club hierarchy—left him frustrated.
“I don’t know if it came from Eddie or the club, but it came from somewhere. That was part of the reason why I wanted to leave Bournemouth and try a new chapter.”
While Ighalo went on to fulfill a childhood dream by representing Manchester United, King’s revelation highlights the often unseen personal impact of transfer decisions in football, where one opportunity gained can mean another lost.
