Manchester United Make Progress in Pursuit of Victor Osimhen – Talks Held with Striker’s Representatives

 

Manchester United have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with fresh reports indicating that initial talks have already taken place between the English club and the player’s representatives.

According to French publication Foot Mercato, “a meeting took place in the last few hours between the Nigerian striker’s entourage and Manchester United,” marking the beginning of formal negotiations as the Red Devils intensify efforts to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Osimhen, 26, has enjoyed an outstanding season since making a surprising loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray during the last transfer window. In just 37 appearances across all competitions, the Super Eagles forward has racked up 33 goals and contributed 8 assists, underlining his elite goal-scoring pedigree and playmaking ability.

The prolific striker is reportedly attracting strong interest from two major football markets ahead of the summer – Saudi Arabia and the English Premier League. While Osimhen previously turned down a €50 million bid from Saudi side Al Hilal in favour of a move to Turkey, interest from the Gulf state has not cooled.

Foot Mercato reports that a Saudi-backed project, Neom, is currently monitoring Osimhen’s situation closely. Neom’s involvement signals a potential high-profile move to the Middle East, with several clubs in the Saudi Pro League eager to land marquee signings this summer.

However, despite the financial power of Saudi Arabia, it is believed that Osimhen is now leaning towards a return to mainstream European football, with the Premier League emerging as his preferred destination. One of the key factors driving this preference is the ability of English clubs to meet his hefty wage demands.

“To be honest, England has the only league capable of covering the incredible salary demanded by the player, namely €12m per year,” Foot Mercato stated, suggesting that only a select few Premier League clubs are realistically in contention due to the financial demands involved.

Among the English clubs monitoring the situation, Manchester United appear to be in the lead. The Red Devils’ board is reportedly unimpressed with the club’s current attacking lineup and are actively drawing up a shortlist of potential signings to fill the number nine role. According to the report, the shortlist includes Victor Osimhen, Victor Gyökeres, and Liam Delap, with Gyökeres seen as the priority target – especially if United qualify for the UEFA Champions League via the Europa League route.

That said, Osimhen remains a top contender, with his proven record in top-flight football and international pedigree making him an attractive option for Erik ten Hag’s rebuild. Securing him, however, won’t come cheap.

Napoli, Osimhen’s parent club, are expected to demand a substantial fee to part ways with their star striker. “It will probably be necessary to spend more than €75m, bonuses included, to prise Osimhen away from Napoli,” Foot Mercato reported, indicating that United – or any suitor – will have to table a package in excess of €75 million to secure the Nigerian’s signature.

With talks underway and interest heating up from multiple sides, the coming weeks could be pivotal in determining Osimhen’s next move. For now, Manchester United seem to have stolen a march on their rivals, as they position themselves at the front of the queue for one of Africa’s brightest footballing stars.