3 hours ago
6 ARTICLE AD
Manchester United have emerged as frontrunners to sign Nigeria international Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window as other major targets slip away from them, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Red Devils, who have struggled in front of goal this season, are reportedly prepared to trigger the Super Eagles striker’s €75m release clause to bring him to Old Trafford as manager Ruben Amorim seeks to bolster his attacking options.
The 26-year-old Napoli striker, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been in scintillating form this season, netting 20 goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.
Transfer news expert Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSports that United could miss out on their other striker targets.
“I think at this stage, Chelsea are front-runners for Liam Delap, and the expectation is that whether Ipswich go down or stay up, he will likely leave this summer,” Jacobs said.
“And it seems pretty clear right now, unless Alexander Isak and a Newcastle exit influence the situation, that Arsenal feel most optimistic about Benjamin Sesko.
“Chelsea are optimistic about Liam Delap, but also have Sesko on their list. And Manchester United have looked at both of those players, but could well miss out on each of them.”
According to reports, a move to Old Trafford for Osimhen is “95% likely” as the Nigerian international prepares to leave Napoli permanently this summer after his loan spell with Galatasaray ends.
Rasmus Hojlund’s form at the Theatre of Dreams has come under serious scrutiny due to his lack of goals, with rumours suggesting that Amorim and his coaching staff are starting to lose patience with the Denmark international striker.
While speculation had suggested that Hojlund or winger Alejandro Garnacho could be included in a potential swap deal for Osimhen, fresh reports indicate United are now prepared to trigger his release clause outright.
Paris Saint-Germain are expected to rival United for Osimhen’s signature, while Saudi Arabian clubs could reignite their interest after failing to sign him in 2024.
Chelsea, once strong contenders for the Nigerian, are now reportedly focusing on Ipswich Town’s Delap but could re-enter the race before the 2025 summer transfer window closes.
Osimhen has remained coy about his future, telling journalists in February after Galatasaray’s goalless draw against Fenerbahce: “To be honest, I don’t know. A few months ago, nobody thought I would come here.
“I never believed I would come to a club as big as Galatasaray. For me, I live for the moment. We will see what is going to happen in the summer and I want everybody to understand that I love this club so much and everyone associated with the club.”
Napoli have also rejected a €65m bid from Galatasaray, as the Turkish giants hope to sign the player in a permanent deal. De Laurentiis has insisted the striker will only be sold for his full €75m release clause.
It’s expected to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with Jacobs confirming that United want as many as four new signings. As well as a centre-forward, they wish to sign a defensive midfielder, a centre-back and another wing-back.
Amorim has already explained that they will have to sell before they can buy, making the summer market difficult to navigate for the ailing giants.
