There has been no contact between Manchester United and Victor Osimhen, despite reports suggesting a deal is on the cards this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Long-Standing Interest in Osimhen
The Red Devils were believed to be interested in the 26-year-old striker last summer as the club considered options to strengthen the forward line.
However, the prices suggested to sign Osimhen from Napoli, as well as his exorbitant wage demands, proved too costly for any of Europe’s major sides, despite interest from United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
As a result, the Nigerian international remained in Naples as the summer window came to a close, leading to a hastily-agreed loan move to Galatasaray as the Turkish transfer deadline is a week later than the rest of the continent.
Osimhen has continued his fine goal-scoring form for The Lions with 19 goals in 24 games, propelling his newly adopted side to the top of the Süper Lig and the knockout phase of the Europa League.
There is little expectation that the striker will remain in Istanbul beyond the end of the season, however. And Napoli will look to cash in on the 26-year-old when he returns to Italy in the summer.
Osimhen’s release clause at the Italian club is reduced to around £65 million come the summer, having been as high as £100 million when United were reported to have shortlisted the 26-year-old as an option in 2023.
This price, while steep, particularly when the Nigerian’s wage demands are accounted for, is one worth paying for any top club in desperate need of a lethal marksman up front, given the paucity of proven options in the transfer market.
The form of United’s forward line – Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have combined for five goals in the Premier League – means a new striker is an urgent priority for the club this summer. And Osimhen’s profile as a forward lends itself perfectly to the demands Ruben Amorim places on his number nine.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person contended the club had made a “verbal offer” to the Nigerian’s representatives while another suggested United could use Alejandro Garnacho or Rasmus Hojlund in a swap deal after Napoli communicated a willingness to accept this proposal.
However, Romano has rejected these updates after revealing United have “not reach[ed] out” to either Osimhen or Napoli over a potential deal.
No Official Approach by United
The Italian transfer guru does indicate there’s interest from the Red Devils, among other sides looking for a number nine, but an official approach has not yet been registered. “We know several clubs are looking for a striker, including Manchester United. But at this point, still, [they have] not reached out to Osimhen’s camp or Napoli.”
Romano further contends United are “monitoring” a number of different options but is “still too early to see who is going to be the new striker” targeted this summer.
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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.
