Victor Osimhen is officially back at Napoli but is expected to leave the club this summer, with Premier League ambitions still intact and Saudi interest unresolved.
The 26 year old Nigeria international has made 133 appearances for Napoli, scoring consistently and playing a key role in their recent Scudetto triumph.
Despite his return, the striker’s presence is unlikely to extend beyond pre-season. Osimhen remains one of the most valuable forwards in Europe, though concrete offers are still lacking.
Al Hilal remain interested. The Saudi club are prepared to return with an improved bid, emboldened by recent high-profile signings .
Osimhen, however, continues to harbour hopes of a Premier League move. His camp has long been aligned with the English top flight, where the player believes he can flourish.
While Galatasaray made a formal approach earlier in the summer, even agreeing to meet his €120 million release clause, the player refused to entertain a switch to Turkey.
Manchester United are one of few elite clubs still seen as a possible destination. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United maintain a “burning magnetism” despite the absence of European football next season.
That allure, even in transition, speaks to the club’s stature.
It would be a sensational coup if United could pull it off. A seasoned striker of Osimhen’s calibre would elevate Ruben Amorim’s side to a new level.
The club has already shown early intent this summer. Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves as the first signing of the window. Advanced negotiations are also underway for Bryan Mbeumo. If secured, the Brentford man would bring additional pace, creativity and versatility to United’s wide options.
Together, these pieces hint at a dramatically reshaped and potentially far more potent attack. But the Osimhen deal remains a long shot.
The key obstacles are well known. Napoli are expected to demand the full release clause, while the striker’s wage expectations are also steep. These factors alone could dissuade United from entering the bidding war.
Still, the need is clear. Rasmus Højlund struggled for consistency last term, and Amorim is understood to want a proven number nine to lead the line.
Whether United push for Osimhen or pursue more attainable alternatives will define the rest of their summer.
Featured image: Ahmad Mora via Getty Images
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Raj Dholakia
Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.
