Manchester United are Leading the Race to Sign £63.2m Forward This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Osimhen a Prime Target for Manchester United

Manchester United have identified Victor Osimhen as their primary target ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting the club could leverage a key release clause to secure his signature. According to TuttoMercato, the Nigerian forward’s contract with Napoli contains a release clause set at €75m (£63.2m) for foreign clubs, making him an attractive proposition for clubs outside Italy.

New United boss Ruben Amorim is determined to bolster his attacking options, with the current squad heavily reliant on Rasmus Hojlund and new arrival Joshua Zirkzee. Strengthening the forward line is seen as a priority, particularly as United look to regain their place among Europe’s elite.

Photo IMAGO

Fierce Competition From European Rivals

While United are showing keen interest, they are not alone in their pursuit of Osimhen. Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, via TuttoMercato, has reported that Juventus, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the striker’s situation.

“It is certainly no secret that he is Juventus’ big target for next year. Giuntoli knows him well and considers him the ideal reinforcement for the Bianconeri attack, also in light of the increasingly probable departure of [Dusan] Vlahovic.”

Arsenal and PSG have also been linked with the 26-goal striker, but Manchester United’s ability to activate his release clause could provide a significant edge in negotiations. Ceccarini further explained:

“The real issue for Juventus is to set up a negotiation with Napoli under certain economic conditions. Osimhen has a lot of market and above all he is very popular in the Premier League. He has a release clause that is only valid for abroad of €75m (£63.2m). Manchester United are ready to change their attacking sector again and the Nigerian is considered an ideal reinforcement.”

Photo IMAGO

Financial Challenges Could Delay Move

Despite their clear interest, United must raise funds through player sales before making a formal bid. The club is not in a position to spend freely due to financial constraints, meaning any major transfer would require outgoings first.

United’s technical director Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell have reportedly assembled a five-man shortlist, which includes Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig). However, all of these players are expected to cost in excess of £50m, making Osimhen a competitive option given his proven track record and defined price point.

Osimhen’s Prolific Form and Premier League Suitability

Osimhen’s impressive 26 goals in 30 appearances for Galatasaray during his loan spell this season highlight why he is such a sought-after talent. His blend of pace, power, and finishing ability makes him an ideal fit for the Premier League, and with Amorim at the helm, United could benefit from a more structured attacking setup.

Photo IMAGO

Given United’s recent struggles to find a consistent No. 9, Osimhen represents a rare opportunity to secure a world-class finisher at a relatively controlled cost. Should United successfully offload unwanted squad players and free up the necessary funds, they could be in pole position to land the Napoli striker.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a hopeful Manchester United supporter, this potential transfer is exactly the kind of deal the club needs to complete. The past few seasons have seen United struggle for goals, with only brief spells of promise from Hojlund and Marcus Rashford. The addition of Victor Osimhen could finally bring the kind of clinical, dynamic No. 9 that has been missing since the days of prime Robin van Persie or Ruud van Nistelrooy.

There’s no doubt that Osimhen would transform United’s attack. His work rate, pressing ability, and sharp movement in the box would complement Amorim’s system, offering a much-needed alternative to Hojlund’s more physical presence. Moreover, Osimhen has already proved himself across multiple leagues, delivering for Lille, Napoli, and now Galatasaray – evidence that he is more than capable of making the jump to the Premier League.

The €75m release clause is a major advantage, especially given the inflated fees for top strikers in today’s market. While Arsenal and PSG may pose competition, neither club has the immediate need for a striker quite like United does. Additionally, Osimhen has previously expressed a desire to play in England, which could work in United’s favour when negotiations begin.

With Amorim now in charge, fans are eager to see a new identity take shape at Old Trafford. Signing a proven, elite-level striker like Osimhen would be a clear signal of intent from both the manager and the club’s new leadership structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United must act swiftly to secure this deal, especially with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding financial fair play restrictions and squad overhauls. If Osimhen does make the move to Manchester, it could be the catalyst for a new, more competitive era at Old Trafford.