Transfer Love Triangle: Garnacho, Rashford, Osimhen

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·22 gennaio 2025

Transfer Love Triangle: Garnacho, Rashford, Osimhen

In what’s been a relatively quiet 2025 transfer window so far, the rumors surrounding Manchester United’s potential moves have been intriguing. Rubin Amorim has not been circumspect about the team’s quality, so how can he and the front office work to trim the dead weight, bring in new blood and move the squad from “worst” to better?

Enter a bizarre love triangle in which Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Victor Osimhen all start jumping into different clubs’ beds, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Napoli (and maybe even Arsenal & PSG) all potential partners.

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Alejandro Garnacho

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The 20-year-old Argentine winger has attracted significant interest from Napoli, who are looking to replace Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (sold last week to PSG). There are issues surrounding valuation, however. United originally set Garnacho’s value at £75 million, though reportedly would accept £55 million. Napoli’s original £40 million offer was rejected, opening the door for a Chelsea bid. Garnacho’s agents were recently rumored to be at Stamford Bridge, though why the Blues need another winger is beyond me.

Why This Deal Makes Sense:

A move to Napoli could provide Garnacho with increased playing time and a pivotal role in a team competing in Serie A and European competitions.
The Napoli / Maradona history would appeal to an Argentinian.
Garnacho’s sale will represent a profit by the FFP rules. The transfer fee could bolster Manchester United’s finances, allowing reinvestment in other areas of the squad.

Marcus Rashford

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Way back in December Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United became doubtful; he hasn’t touched the pitch for the Reds in over a month. With sky-high wages (over £350K a week) there are only a handful of clubs that could even afford him, with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal atop the rumor pile. Buyer beware, though!

Why This Deal Makes Sense:

A move could rejuvenate his career. Rashford has been with United since he was a boy, and a new environment and challenges could be welcome.
Manchester United needs wage relief. Particularly if they want to sign others.
Selling a homegrown talent would raise Manchester United’s FFP ceiling.
There are concerns that selling Rashford to a Premier League competitor like Arsenal could come back to haunt them, but that’s a next season problem.

Victor Osimhen

UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, Nigerian striker Osimhen has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United. Reports suggest a verbal offer has been made, but with Napoli reportedly valuing Osimhen at €75 million and lowballing on their Garnacho bid, there’s a LOT of negotiation required to see eye-to-eye.

Why Acquiring Osimhen Makes Sense

His proven goal-scoring record (averaging 18.2 per season) could address United’s need for a more consistent striker. He has the physicality to be a traditional 9, holding the ball on the attack. Also has the pace and skill to take on defenders and make runs. Strong in the air; and can score from anywhere.
At 26, he still has many good years ahead of him.

And What About Jhon Durán?

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Just to complicate things, Aston Villa’s “super sub” Durán is also rumored to be a possible winter transfer target for clubs like United, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. He’s only 21, with tremendous potential, and reportedly wants more starting opportunities. But with a £70 million price tag and Villa not likely to give him up during a season where still have Champions League ambition, striking a deal will be tough.