Former Manchester United loanee Odion Ighalo signs two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Shabab; Ighalo was due to return to his parent club Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua but was given permission to speak to the Saudi Arabian side
Thursday 4 February 2021 19:52, UK
Odion Ighalo, who was on loan at Manchester United for a year, has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Shabab. The Saudi transfer window does not close until February 7.
Ighalo's loan spell at United from Shanghai Shenhua came to an end last week. He was due to return to his parent club but they gave him permission to speak to the Saudi Arabian side.
Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances across all competitions for United after arriving on Deadline Day last January, but has made only two starts this season since Edinson Cavani joined in October.
Ighalo confirmed his departure from Old Trafford in an emotional farewell message last Tuesday.
"It's so hard to see this dream come to an end," he wrote on social media.
"But I give God the glory for helping me fulfil this lifelong dream of putting on a Manchester United shirt as a player and represent this great club.
"To the manager, I say thank you for trusting and believing in me when many did not."
