Man Utd Denies Osimhen Transfer Hijack Amidst Mbeumo Focus
Transfer Guru Fabrizio Romano Clarifies Red Devils’ Striker Pursuit
Manchester United has no intention of disrupting Galatasaray’s acquisition of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to prominent transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
United’s Transfer Activity Under Scrutiny
The Red Devils have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer window, with their most significant acquisition being Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million. Youngster Diego Leon also joined from Cerro Porteno.
Bryan Mbeumo Remains Top Priority
Manchester United’s transfer focus remains firmly on securing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. Romano confirmed ongoing discussions, emphasizing Mbeumo as the club’s absolute priority. Brentford is reportedly firm on their £70 million valuation.
“I can guarantee to you again this week, Man United, fully focused on Bryan Mbeumo deal with Brentford, with conversations still underway, with Man United’s absolute focus being on Mbeumo, with a player still waiting for Manchester United as a top priority.
So they keep advancing. They keep working on this deal for Mbeumo. There is still an agreement to reach with Brentford, but I’m told that the conversations are ongoing to try to reach this agreement and let the player travel and complete his move. So Man United keep working on Bryan Mbeumo as absolute priority.”
The club is also reportedly interested in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, although he is understood to be close to signing for Arsenal.
Osimhen Deal Confirmed for Galatasaray
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, is nearing a permanent move to the Turkish club for €75 million (£65 million). Reports suggesting Manchester United might intervene have been definitively dismissed.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is getting closer to joining Galatasaray on a permanent deal for €75m. Manchester United are not involved in hijacking this deal. Fabrizio Romano confirms: “Reports about Man Utd hijacking the deal of Galatasaray from Victor Osimhen, from what I’m told, this is not true. Osimhen is getting closer to joining Galatasaray. €75m deal.”
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2024
Romano clarified that Manchester United is not part of the Osimhen negotiations. He stated that Galatasaray is poised to offer the Nigerian international an impressive salary package of €16 million per season, a figure he believes United would not be willing to match.
Osimhen’s potential transfer to Galatasaray signals a significant investment by the Turkish club, aiming to bolster their squad with a proven goalscorer. In comparison, the average Premier League wage in 2023 was approximately £60,000 per week, highlighting the substantial salary difference (The Guardian, 2023).
United’s Striker Search Continues
Despite the Osimhen situation being resolved, Manchester United is still actively seeking to strengthen their centre-forward options this summer. The club is reportedly working to finalize terms for a third major signing, with further details expected shortly.
Manchester United’s strategic approach to the transfer market suggests a clear prioritization of targets, with the focus on acquiring Mbeumo indicating a clear direction for the club’s attacking reinforcements.
