Osimhen Eyes Premier League Move as Manchester United Enter Race
Napoli Striker Reportedly Rejects Saudi Offer, Dreams of English Football
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, but a potential move to the English Premier League is gaining momentum. Manchester United have reportedly emerged as strong contenders to sign the Napoli forward, offering a glimmer of hope for a transfer after a previous Saudi Arabian offer fell through.
United’s Pursuit and Financial Hurdles
Reports indicate that Osimhen’s desire to play in the Premier League has intensified, with Manchester United showing significant interest. The Red Devils, currently undergoing a rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim, are keen to bolster their attacking options following a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. However, a major obstacle remains: Napoli is holding firm on a release clause of approximately £63.4 million (€75 million).
To navigate their financial constraints, Manchester United are exploring a player-plus-cash deal, with Joshua Zirkzee potentially being offered as part of the package. Zirkzee previously played in Italy for Bologna, giving him familiarity with the league where Osimhen currently plays.
Past Negotiations and Potential Additions
This isn’t the first time the two clubs have discussed a transfer. Last summer, there were talks regarding a potential move for Alejandro Garnacho to Napoli. The potential arrival of Osimhen, alongside previously agreed deals for Matheus Cunha and the expected signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, would signal a transformative summer for Manchester United.
The Premier League’s financial dominance is evident, with total revenue reaching £6.7 billion in the 2022/23 season, according to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance (Deloitte, 2023). This financial strength attracts top talent like Osimhen.
International Acclaim and Manager’s Assessment
“Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world,”
—Eric Chelle, Osimhen’s International Manager
Osimhen’s manager, Eric Chelle, recently highlighted the player’s current state of mind, acknowledging the impact of transfer speculation. “For him it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure.
The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100 per cent.
Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that.”
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether Manchester United can successfully negotiate a deal for Victor Osimhen, potentially ushering in a new era for the club’s attack.
