Manchester United have set their sights on Victor Osimhen as a top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Reports from TuttoMercato suggest the Nigerian striker’s contract with Napoli includes a release clause of €75m (£63.2m) for foreign clubs, positioning him as an attractive option for teams outside Italy. This development has placed the prolific forward firmly on United’s radar as they aim to enhance their attacking prowess.
New manager Ruben Amorim is keen to revamp United’s front line, which currently relies heavily on Rasmus Hojlund and recent signing Joshua Zirkzee.
Amorim views bolstering the attack as a crucial step in restoring the club’s status among Europe’s elite. Adding a player of Osimhen’s caliber would not only address United’s immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for a more competitive squad.
United are not alone in their pursuit of the Napoli striker. Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, speaking to TuttoMercato, has revealed that Juventus, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping a close watch on Osimhen. Ceccarini noted that Juventus sees him as the ideal replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who is expected to leave the club.
Arsenal and PSG are equally interested in Osimhen, whose 26 goals this season have captured the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, United’s ability to activate his release clause could provide a significant advantage over their rivals. Ceccarini highlighted the challenges Juventus might face, saying, “The real issue for Juventus is to negotiate with Napoli under favorable economic conditions, whereas Manchester United can leverage his release clause.”
Despite their strong interest in Osimhen, United must address financial challenges before making a formal bid. The club’s spending power is currently limited, necessitating player sales to raise funds for any major transfer. As such, United’s recruitment team, led by technical director Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, is working on identifying potential outgoing players.
The club has also shortlisted alternative options, including Jean-Philippe Mateta, Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap, and Benjamin Sesko. However, with these players likely to cost over £50m each, Osimhen remains a compelling choice due to his proven track record and clear price point.
Osimhen’s exceptional form this season has reinforced his status as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. The 24-year-old has netted 26 goals in 30 appearances for Galatasaray during his loan spell, showcasing a lethal combination of pace, power, and clinical finishing. His attributes make him a natural fit for the Premier League, where his physicality and skillset would thrive.
Amorim’s structured attacking approach could further enhance Osimhen’s impact at Old Trafford. United have struggled to find a consistent No. 9 in recent years, and the addition of a player of Osimhen’s quality could address this long-standing issue while also offering stability in their forward line.
For United, the next steps involve offloading surplus squad players to free up funds for Osimhen’s transfer. Should they succeed, the club could position itself as a frontrunner for his signature, leveraging his release clause to bypass protracted negotiations with Napoli. This could prove decisive in outmaneuvering other interested clubs like Arsenal and PSG.
Osimhen’s arrival would not only provide a significant boost to United’s attacking options but also signal the club’s ambitions under Amorim’s leadership. With the potential to reshape their offensive strategy, the signing of the Nigerian striker could mark a turning point for the Red Devils.
