The big problem is price. Manchester United have now spent in excess of £200 million this transfer window, while the only player sale is Andreas Pereira at £8.5 million....CONTINUE READING
United are not going to spend big on Osimhen this transfer window. He would cost in excess of £80 million.
There’s one route United might be tempted to go for. This would involved landing Osimhen on loan, with an obligation to buy for a fixed price in 2023. A striker is one of the missing pieces of Erik ten Hag’s jigsaw at United.
This idea has been floated as a possibility, reports Calciomercato, however, even they describe it as an unlikely option. Gazzetta dello Sport also reported the plan, which was said to be suggested by Jorge Mendes.
Even in a hypothetical scenario where Napoli let Osimhen leave this summer with an obligation to buy next year for £80 million, it would be a risk for United. What if he doesn’t work out? It’s tempting, but not a deal the club are likely to commit to unless the buy clause is optional or packed with clauses relating to games played or goals scored.
Sky Germany talked up Osimhen as a ‘top target’ for United regardless of Ronaldo’s situation. It’s just difficult to see it working out right now.
Osimhen: He‘s definitely a potential top transfer target for #MUFC! Regardless of whether a swap deal with #Ronaldo works out or not. The bosses see a lot of quality & development potential in him. He’s on the list. No negotiations with him at this stage.
Victor Osimhen: A good future option
Manchester United do need a striker to plan a future around, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract expiring next summer even if he stays this season.
Osimhen is a fine option. He has 15 goals in 23 international games for Nigeria and has scored 30 goals in 65 games for Napoli.
Prior to this he netted 18 in 38 games for Lille in France and 20 in 36 for Charleroi in Belgium.
Even next summer, price would be a sticking point. Napoli would demand around £80 million for Osimhen, a price his creditable goal output doesn’t quite justify. He will need a big season in Italy this year to tempt United.
We all love a big deadline day surprise signing, but it’s pretty safe to say United don’t have the ambition or funds to make it happen now. Osimhen is just a name to watch next summer instead.
