Victor Osimhen is “open” to Manchester United’s proposal over a blockbuster summer transfer, Fabrizio Romano reveals, but wages remain a “key point” in any potential deal.
Osimhen, 26, is currently on loan at Galatasaray after falling out with Napoli manager Antonio Conte at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last year.
As a result, the Nigerian striker came close to leaving Naples in the summer with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as clubs in the Saudi Pro League, expressing interest in the move.
However, a combination of Osimhen’s £100 million release clause with Napoli and the 26-year-old’s exorbitant wage demands prevented a deal from being completed.
And, as the summer transfer deadline closed for Europe’s major leagues, Galatasaray were presented with a unique opportunity to sign a world-class striker on loan, given Turkey’s window remains open a week later than the rest of the continent.
It’s proven a brilliant deal as Osimhen has helped fire the Istanbul side to the top of the Super Lig table with 14 goals and 4 assists in just 19 league games.
United’s current forward line, comprising Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad, Mason Mount, and Alejandro Garnacho, has combined for the same number as a comparison.
But the Nigerian international will look to leave the Turkish capital when his loan ends as seeks a permanent transfer at one of Europe’s elite or, perhaps, a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia.
The Red Devils are desperate to add a proven number nine to Ruben Amorim’s squad with Osimhen being one of the only reliable goal-scorers on the market this summer.
The 26-year-old’s release clause in Naples also drops to somewhere in the region of £65 million at the end of the season, further strengthening United’s resolve to complete a swoop.
However, Osimhen’s wage demands prevented a move away from Italy last summer and the striker will not compromise on this in the coming window.
Romano reveals, “for Osimhen, respecting his current salary conditions at Napoli is a key point” when considering any offers.
The Italian transfer guru describes the 26-year-old as “open to hearing from Man United” but is equally willing to negotiate with “more clubs” as well.
Similarly, Romano contends a deal for Osimhen is “not something being decided now in February” at Old Trafford as it will “depend on the budget” this summer, which is subject to change based on outgoing transfers and the manner in which the club finishes the season.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
