Manchester United have emerged as frontrunners to sign Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen, outpacing several European heavyweights in the race for his signature, according to reports from Italy. The Red Devils have reportedly reached a “basic agreement” with the 26-year-old’s representatives regarding salary terms, marking a significant step toward securing the highly sought-after forward.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has a £63 million release clause available to non-Italian clubs. Manchester United’s interest in the striker comes as new manager Ruben Amorim seeks to bolster the team’s attacking options. The club’s current forward, Rasmus Højlund, has struggled to justify his £72 million price tag, managing only three Premier League goals in 28 appearances during the 2024-25 season. Højlund’s lacklustre performance, particularly in a recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, has intensified scrutiny on the 22-year-old Dane.
To facilitate Osimhen’s transfer, discussions have surfaced about a potential swap deal that would see Højlund move to Napoli. Such an arrangement could streamline negotiations and make the transfer more financially viable for both clubs. Napoli, where Osimhen previously thrived, may be open to welcoming Højlund as part of the deal, given their familiarity with high-profile striker transactions.
Osimhen has been hailed as a potential game-changer for Manchester United, with former Premier League striker Louis Saha describing him as the “perfect” signing for the club. Speaking to Mega Dice, Saha praised Osimhen’s character, quality, and proven track record across Europe’s top leagues. “He’s got a good European pedigree: he was a success in France, he was a champion in Italy with Napoli, and he’s been brilliant at Galatasaray,” Saha said.
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Osimhen’s standout achievements include leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022-23 season, a campaign in which he scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances. His move to Galatasaray on loan for the 2024-25 season, though not his preferred choice, has seen him continue to impress, with his physicality, goal-scoring instincts, and Champions League experience adding to his appeal. Saha emphasised Osimhen’s ability to handle pressure, noting, “If you think about the pressure that he was under at Napoli, firing the club to its first title in 33 years, then he’s the perfect man to lead the line for Manchester United.”
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Manchester United’s pursuit of Osimhen is driven by persistent issues in the final third. Despite the creative brilliance of club captain Bruno Fernandes, who leads the team with 17 goals across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, the squad lacks a consistent goal-scoring presence up front. Fernandes, primarily a playmaker, has shouldered much of the scoring burden, highlighting the need for a reliable striker to complement his vision and unlock United’s attacking potential.
Osimhen’s arrival could address these shortcomings. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing make him a versatile threat capable of thriving in the Premier League’s demanding environment. Moreover, his charisma and leadership qualities could inject much-needed energy into a United squad that has struggled for consistency under previous managers.
For Amorim, who is tasked with reviving Manchester United’s fortunes, Osimhen represents a statement signing that aligns with the club’s ambitions to reclaim their status among Europe’s elite. Saha believes Osimhen’s personality and on-field impact could galvanise the team, stating, “He’s got the type of personality and charisma that this United squad could benefit from. I think he would have a huge impact at United.”
Fans and pundits alike view Osimhen as a potential catalyst for United’s resurgence. His proven ability to perform under pressure, combined with his experience in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League, positions him as an ideal candidate to lead United’s attack. The prospect of Osimhen spearheading the frontline at Old Trafford has sparked excitement, with supporters hopeful that his arrival could mark a turning point in the club’s fortunes.
While the reported agreement on salary terms is a positive development, several hurdles remain. The £63 million release clause, though substantial, is considered fair market value for a player of Osimhen’s calibre, but United’s financial strategy—potentially involving a swap deal will be crucial in finalising the transfer. Competition from other European clubs, though currently subdued, could also resurface if negotiations stall.
Additionally, Osimhen’s integration into the Premier League will require careful management. The physical and tactical demands of English football differ from those of Serie A and the Turkish Süper Lig, and Amorim will need to tailor his system to maximise Osimhen’s strengths. However, given the striker’s adaptability and track record, there is optimism that he can hit the ground running.
Manchester United’s reported progress in securing Victor Osimhen signals their intent to address long-standing attacking deficiencies and restore their competitive edge. With a basic agreement in place and the possibility of a swap deal involving Rasmus Højlund, the Red Devils are well-positioned to land the Nigerian star. Described as a “transformational signing” by Louis Saha, Osimhen’s blend of skill, experience, and charisma makes him a tantalising prospect for United fans. As negotiations progress, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if the club can finalise a deal that could redefine their attacking identity.
