Manchester United appears to be on the verge of securing a significant addition to their squad, with reports indicating the club is prepared to trigger Victor Osimhen's €75 million release clause during the upcoming summer transfer window. This fuels speculation surrounding the talented striker's future, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, where he has been impressively prolific.
Osimhen's tenure at Galatasaray has been nothing short of remarkable. The 25-year-old forward has netted 20 goals and provided five assists across 25 appearances. His performance has attracted considerable attention, significantly raising his profile as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. According to multiple reports, Manchester United is leading the race to secure his signature, having earmarked him as their primary target to bolster their attack.
Manager Ruben Amorim's squad has faced significant struggles this season, with the team sitting uncomfortably around 15th place in the Premier League. The players' inability to convert opportunities has been glaringly evident, leading to issues with offensive output. Both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, the strikers currently on United's roster, have collectively scored just five goals this season, embodying the club’s desperate need for more firepower upfront.
While Osimhen's anticipated return to Napoli at the end of this season was initially viewed as promising for the Italian side, recent reports suggest there's only a 5% chance he will remain there. The reports quote sources affirming, "Osimhen is currently 95% likely to sign for Manchester United.“ This shift aligns with United’s quest for proven goal scorers; Osimhen stands out for his consistent performances and impressive goal count.
Despite this, Osimhen's transfer isn't without challenges. Other clubs, most prominently Juventus and Al-Ahli, are also in pursuit of the Nigerian international. Juventus appears to see him as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, whose future with the club has been uncertain amid stalled contract negotiations. The Bianconeri may face obstacles, as Napoli reportedly prefers selling abroad, which could complicate their pursuit.
It's also worth noting the financial aspects of Osimhen’s move. His release clause of €75 million is tempting for any club, but this figure does not apply for Italian teams like Juventus, which could hinder their negotiations with Napoli. "Juventus needs to negotiate directly with Napoli if they hope to sign him, and this won't be as easy as simply paying the release clause, which doesn't apply to them,” explained one football analyst.
On the other hand, Al-Ahli seems prepared to meet Osimhen’s financial demands and has successfully sidestepped prior setbacks from last summer when negotiations with Napoli fell through. Al-Ahli’s renewed interest could add pressure on Manchester United, but the Red Devils remain optimistic about their chances. Fabrizio Romano confirmed this sentiment, stating, "Manchester United sees Osimhen as just the player they need to revive their fortunes. They are fully aware of his abilities, as they have showcased their interest for some time.”
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain, who had also shown previous interest, appears to be shifting their focus elsewhere, potentially opening the field exclusively to Manchester United and Al-Ahli. The financial stakes remain high, though: United’s purchase hinges on their ability to sell players, complying with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules before securing Osimhen’s signature.
Indeed, the future of the Nigerian star remains uncertain as he seems determined to honor his loan spell at Galatasaray through the end of the season before making any decisions about his long-term future. With speculation and interest ramping up, one can only wonder, where will Osimhen end up?