Manchester United are reportedly planning a big-money summer move for Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract was terminated before the World Cup in November and his departure left Erik ten Hag with limited striker options in his squad. The Red Devils have tried filling in Ronaldo’s void by signing Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley, but Ten Hag wants a high-profile striker next season.
Speaking exclusively to Dutch outlet Soccer News, reliable journalist Gianluca Di Marzio pointed out that Manchester United will splash top dollar to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli during the summer transfer window.
Following Man United’s recent links with top strikers such as Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Gonzalo Ramos, Di Marzio told Soccer News: “I don’t think any of these transfers will get through in the winter transfer window.
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if United pay for Victor Osimhen in the summer, because they wanted to sign him ahead of this season.”
Osimhen, 24, has led Napoli’s title charge this campaign with 13 goals in 15 Serie A appearances. The Nigerian striker’s rich goal-scoring form has caught the attention of many clubs, including Man United, although Napoli are set to demand as much as €120m for their star, Di Marzio adds.
Victor Osimhen to Man United—Great option for Ten Hag?
Manchester United’s top scorer this season is Marcus Rashford, who has 18 goals. Rashford is followed by Bruno Fernandes’ six strikes, which is seemingly a concern for United manager Erik ten Hag.
Wout Weghorst is only on a six-month loan deal from Burnley, which leaves the Red Devils with room to go for a high-profile striker in the summer. Beyond Weghorst, Ten Hag only has Anthony Martial, but the Frenchman cannot be relied upon due to his constant fitness concerns. Alternatively, the Dutch tactician could use Rashford as a No.9, but the England star’s best position is on wide left.
Thus, it is not surprising to see Ten Hag’s desire to sign a prolific striker in the summer, and Victor Osimhen fits the bill perfectly at Old Trafford. Osimhen continues to sparkle up top for Napoli and has netted 13 goals in 15 league appearances, with his overall tally for the club standing at 42 goals in just 81 games in all competitions so far.
The 24-year-old can hold the ball up, link play well and get at the end of chances quickly to finish off a move. He is clinical in front of goal, clearly someone in the ilk of an old-school centre-forward purely due to his hunger and desire to get on the scoresheet. The Nigeria international is fast, aggressive and physical, and his goal-scoring exploits in Napoli has warranted such a big price tag.
Osimhen could form a devastating combination with the likes of Rashford, Fernandes and Antony in the United attack, whilst being a straight upgrade on the injury-prone Martial. He would drastically improve Ten Hag’s side and make them challengers for the Premier League title next season.
That said, the Red Devils must go all out in their pursuit of Osimhen, with many top European clubs also vying for his signature.
