Manchester United Target £46m Bournemouth Forward to Strengthen Attack | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert as Attacking Option

Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal this season have been well-documented, with first-choice strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just once in the Premier League between them in 2025. With the club looking to bolster their attack, reports suggest that the Red Devils are now monitoring Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert as a potential addition to their forward line.

Kluivert’s Impressive Form at Bournemouth

Justin Kluivert, who joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2024, has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season. The Netherlands international has contributed 13 goals and seven assists across 32 appearances in all competitions, playing a key role in Bournemouth’s strong mid-table position. With the club currently sitting 10th in the Premier League and just five points off the top four, Kluivert’s contributions have been instrumental in their impressive run. Additionally, Andoni Iraola’s men have made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face Manchester City.

Photo: IMAGO

Reports from CaughtOffside suggest that Kluivert, who is under contract with Bournemouth until June 2028, could be available for a transfer this summer at an asking price of £46 million (€55m / $59m). While Bournemouth are in a strong negotiating position, the 25-year-old is reportedly open to a move if the right opportunity arises, making him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.

Kluivert as an Alternative to Big-Name Strikers

Manchester United have been linked with several high-profile forwards in recent months, including Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, and Dusan Vlahovic. However, Kluivert’s relatively affordable price tag and versatility have made him an intriguing alternative. The Netherlands forward is capable of playing on the wing or in a more central No.10 role, providing United with additional attacking flexibility.

While Kluivert’s form at Bournemouth has been impressive, Manchester United’s potential interest signals a shift in strategy. Instead of pursuing a big-money signing, they could secure a player who is not only in excellent form but also offers a long-term solution at a reasonable price. With Kluivert’s potential move, United could focus on strengthening their attack without breaking the bank.

United’s Potential Move for Osimhen

Despite the reports linking Kluivert with a move to Old Trafford, there are still whispers about Manchester United’s interest in Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has been in scintillating form at Napoli, and a reduced €75 million exit clause could make him a prime target for United. Trusted sources such as David Ornstein suggest that while PSG have pulled out of the race for Osimhen, Manchester United could have an opportunity to sign the 26-year-old if they act quickly enough. While some reports suggest a swap deal involving Hojlund, Ornstein has shot this down, meaning that any potential move for Osimhen would likely be straightforward.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For United, the potential acquisition of Justin Kluivert is an exciting prospect, especially when considering the club’s current attacking struggles. Kluivert’s versatility and impressive form at Bournemouth make him a valuable option, and his ability to operate as both a winger and a No.10 adds much-needed flexibility to United’s attack. His 13 goals and seven assists this season prove that he has the ability to contribute significantly to the team, and at £46 million, he represents a more affordable alternative to the more expensive options like Osimhen or Vlahovic.

However, the question remains whether Kluivert has the necessary quality to thrive at a club like Manchester United, where the pressure and expectations are considerably higher. His performances at Bournemouth have been strong, but moving to a top-six club will present a different challenge. If United do secure Kluivert, it will be important for the club to manage his integration carefully, ensuring that he can make the step up while also bolstering the squad’s attacking depth.

Overall, Kluivert could be a smart addition, but United should not view him as a one-stop solution. If the club is serious about returning to their former glory, more must be done to secure a marquee forward that can carry the team forward in the long run.