Victor Osimhen No Longer a Target as United Prioritise Other Deals | OneFootball

Manchester United End Pursuit of Osimhen Despite Napoli Discount

There is no question that Manchester United need reinforcements. With only 37 goals in 31 Premier League games this season — a tally that ranks them 15th in the division — United’s attacking frailties are as glaring as they are costly. Ruben Amorim knows this summer is critical. His challenge isn’t just tactical, but structural. He needs players who can score, create, and carry responsibility.

Victor Osimhen once seemed destined to be part of that plan. A physical forward with an eye for goal and a Premier League-ready style, his name had long hovered over Old Trafford. Yet, as TEAMtalk reports, those plans are now off the table.

“However, multiple sources have stated that United have now decided to scrap all plans to sign the Nigerian – and despite Manna’s desperate lay ploy to reduce his price to €55m (£47.5m, $60.8m) – less than half the €120m interested suitors were being told to spend 18 months earlier.”

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Premier League Dream Slipping Away for Osimhen

For Osimhen, the disappointment must be real. It was believed a move to England was his priority, and when Napoli sent Giovanni Manna to broker a cut-price deal with United, momentum seemed to be building.

But Chelsea too have cooled their interest. Now, the Nigerian’s future looks increasingly pointed towards Saudi Arabia or possibly a permanent switch to Galatasaray — where he is currently on loan and thriving.

“I don’t know what will happen in the summer, but I can say that I am in love with these fans. I love this club, the president, the staff – I love everyone associated with Galatasaray,” said Osimhen.

Galatasaray’s vice president, Abdullah Kavukcu, echoed that hope but remains realistic. “His stay at Galatasaray is not as impossible as it may seem.”

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United Refocus on Cheaper, Homegrown Talent

Instead of Osimhen, United are reportedly turning their attention to a more cost-effective and strategic double swoop. TEAMtalk cites multiple sources confirming that Ipswich’s Liam Delap is now a priority, with Jason Wilcox’s previous ties to the player from their Manchester City days playing a significant role.

“Delap is someone who is a genuine link,” said The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell. “That’s something that could make sense financially because I believe Delap has a relegation release clause.”

Alongside Delap, United are also pursuing a creative Brazilian No.10, versatile enough to operate as a secondary striker. The pair could cost United around £102.5 million combined — a sum seen as more palatable than a singular high-profile outlay on Osimhen.

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Transfer Strategy Reflects Wider United Concerns

It’s telling that United are avoiding marquee names in favour of tactical flexibility and financial prudence. Amorim’s rebuild will require more than five new signings according to Gary Neville, and the club’s recruitment strategy is finally showing signs of coherence.

With doubts over the long-term suitability of key names like Kobbie Mainoo, and a growing interest in Serie A’s midfield market, there’s little doubt United’s summer will be busy. Just not with Victor Osimhen.

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For United, this move makes more sense than it hurts. Osimhen is top class — no question — but if United had gone all in, it would have been a repeat of the mistakes that have plagued them for the past decade. Big names, big fees, and not always big results.

Liam Delap might not get pulses racing, but he’s 21, knows English football, and can grow within the right environment. It’s about building a team, not just collecting stars. The same goes for the Brazilian No.10. Versatility and hunger are crucial if Amorim wants to reshape this squad properly.

Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Watching Osimhen in red would’ve been a dream. But United’s problems aren’t solved by dreams — they’re solved by planning, development, and coherence. If £102.5m buys us two players who fit a long-term project better than one Galactico, then it’s the right call.

Osimhen may yet light up another league, but United can’t afford to light more money on fire. We’ve done that for too long. This summer needs to be different.