Galatasaray take drastic step to block Osimhen exit as links to a sensational United transfer continue – report

Amid suggestions that Manchester United have reignited their interest in Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray are preparing a bold move to ensure he stays beyond this summer. Osimhen interest United have been persistently linked with Osimhen over the years, yet a deal has never quite come to fruition. That was certainly the case last summer, when a transfer failed to materialise yet again, prompting United to turn their attention to Benjamin Sesko instead. Sesko enjoyed a superb maiden campaign in England. He finished the 2025/26 season with 11 Premier League goals to his name. No player scored more top-flight goals than the Slovenian in the second half of the season. But with uncertainty surrounding the future of Joshua Zirkzee and United’s desire to secure back-up or competition for Zirkzee, Osimhen’s name has unsurprisingly popped up again. The Nigerian superstar bagged 15 goals and an additional five assists in 22 Super Lig appearances for Galatasaray last season. Across all competitions, he managed 22 goals and eight assists. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Osimhen is a “priority target” for the Red Devils. Atletico Madrid were also said to be eyeing him, as they make contingency plans in the event of Julian Alvarez’s departure. Alvarez is wanted by Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Last week, CaughtOffside claimed that Osimhen features on United’s five-man attacker shortlist that also includes Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dusan Vlahovic, Robert Lewandowski and Eli Junior Kroupi. However, according to Levent Tuzemen, Galatasaray have no desire to part ways with Osimhen. Bold move Levent Tuzemen says that Galatasaray are preparing a powerful gesture to convince Osimhen that his future lies at the club. Galatasaray’s plan is to give Osimhen the captaincy ahead of next season, effectively making him a cornerstone of the project under head coach Okan Buruk. This is also connected to the unresolved status of captain Mauro Icardi, who is approaching the end of his contract. In the event of his departure, Osimhen is slated to become captain, followed by Lucas Torreira as vice-captain and Abdülkerim as third choice. Galatasaray are hoping to make Osimhen feel truly valued, in the hope that he will ultimately rebuff interest from the likes of United. Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!