Joshua King's Dream Manchester United Return Blocked by Bournemouth
Former Bournemouth forward Joshua King has opened up about the crushing disappointment he felt when a sensational return to Manchester United was ripped away from him in 2020. The Norwegian international, who launched his career at Old Trafford as a teenager, described the episode as a devastating blow that significantly impacted his future.
The Failed Transfer Saga
King, now 34 and playing for Al-Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League, revealed that United made several approaches to sign him in 2020 while he was at Bournemouth. However, the Cherries' asking price was deemed too steep, with reports indicating a £25 million offer from United was rejected. This led the Red Devils to switch targets and secure Odion Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua instead.
"The dream was to play for United," King said in an interview with VG in March 2025. "Now United are struggling with a striker. They have a Norwegian coach who is interested. Put an offer on the table, and I came there for free. And then you say no to £25m."
Emotional Turmoil and Uncertainty
King recounted sitting in a hot tub for hours, anxiously waiting for a phone call that never came. His agent, Jim Solbakken, was working on the deal, but the forward's hopes were dashed when he saw news of Ighalo's move to United. "Then I was completely devastated. Then I was way down," he admitted.
The striker also expressed frustration over not knowing whether it was then-Bournemouth head coach Eddie Howe or the club's leadership who ultimately blocked the transfer. "I don't know if it came from Eddie or if it came from the club," King said. "But it came from somewhere. And that was part of the reason why I wanted to leave Bournemouth and try a new chapter."
Career Trajectory and Aftermath
King had established himself as a key player for Bournemouth, scoring 53 goals in 184 Premier League appearances after his breakthrough with the south coast outfit. Following the failed move, he remained with the Cherries until 2021, departing for Everton after Bournemouth were relegated to the Championship. His career then took him to Watford, Fenerbahce, and Toulouse before his current stint in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Ighalo's time at United was underwhelming; the Nigerian scored five times in 19 outings but failed to net in the Premier League and made only one league appearance in the first half of the 2020/21 season. This contrast has only deepened King's sense of what might have been, as he reflected on a missed opportunity to reunite with compatriot Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
The saga highlights the often-unpredictable nature of football transfers, where personal dreams can be shattered by financial decisions and club politics. King's heartfelt disclosure sheds light on the human side of the sport, beyond the headlines and transfer fees.
