Former Manchester United striker loses Asian Champions League Final

Odion Ighalo came close to winning a big career prize – and now his future approaches another crossroads.

Odion Ighalo made pretty clear when his Manchester United spell ended that he had reached the top of the mountain.

The striker’s surprise loan switch in 2020 was a dream come true, and he left with five goals to his name.

Since then he has been playing in Saudi Arabia, and credit to him, he is still performing strongly, and not calling it quits just yet.

FBL-ASIA-C1-HILAL-URAWA — Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images

Odion Ighalo’s Al Hilal lose

Odion Ighalo signed for Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia after his Manchester United loan ended, and after strong performances and 22 goals scored, he was snapped up by high fliers Al Hilal.

He helped Al Hilal to win the league last season and this year has been featuring in their run to the Asian Champions League final.

This past weekend he fell narrowly short of success, with Al Hilal beaten 2-1 over two legs by Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds.

Ighalo was unable to add to his tally of 20 goals this season, in the final, and there are changes ahead.

Lionel Messi could join Al Hilal

Al Hilal just missing out on the top prize will intensify their desire to go one better. A very big move is being plotted.

The Mail report the Saudi side are making a play to sign Lionel Messi, once his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires.

Whether this is to partner Ighalo or replace him is unclear. The 33-year-old’s deal expires this summer and it is unclear if it will be renewed.

One way or another, the former Manchester United loanee won’t be short of options. He recently outshone Cristiano Ronaldo in a head to head match-up, and still has some goalscoring left in him.