Man United subject of surprise Victor Osimhen claim as blockbuster transfer beckons
Victor Osimhen has been touted as one potential solution to Manchester United’s issues at centre-forward during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen has been one of Europe’s leading No.9s in recent years, scoring 76 goals across all competitions for Napoli between 2020 and 2024, leading them to the 2022/23 Serie A title.
However, a public falling out led to Osimhen leaving the Partenopei last summer, with Galatasaray taking the striker on loan.
The Nigeria international didn’t let up in Turkey, with his 37 goals across all competitions leading Galatasaray to a domestic double and the Europa League knockout stages.
Could Victor Osimhen sign for Man United?
There aren’t many major clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia that haven’t been linked with Osimhen and Man United are among that group.
However, given the Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season and have no European football in 2025/26, they would certainly be a surprise destination for the 26-year-old.
Indeed, according to talkSPORT, it’s Galatasaray who are in the driving seat to bring Osimhen back to Istanbul, with personal terms already agreed.
However, chief football correspondent Alex Crook did reveal that both Man United and Brentford still expect Bryan Mbeumo to make the move to Old Trafford this summer.
Stating his surprise that the Red Devils aren’t pushing harder, Crook said: “I know that Galatasaray are really trying to push this deal and have already agreed personal terms.
“I think Osimhen has been there and got the t-shirt. His game would translate very well to the Premier League and I’m surprised that there’s not more Premier League interest considering the lack of number nines that are out there.
“Maybe it’s his reputation or that he commands big wages but you’d image that top clubs in the Premier League can match what Galatasaray are offering.”
Man Utd’s search for a striker could get rather expensive, with even the 29-year-old Ollie Watkins thought to cost them a potential £100million once his wages have been factored in.
Man United’s desperate striker search
Football Insider verdict
Matheus Cunha is an excellent addition for Man United, as will be the case with Mbeumo if he finally comes through the door.
However, the fact remains that the Red Devils still need an elite centre-forward to thrust them back into the upper reaches of the Premier League table.
Last season, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were hugely underwhelming, to put it mildly, returning just four and three goals respectively in the Premier League. And that’s despite them costing the club a combined £107m, including add-ons.
| 2024/25 league goals | Total |
| Victor Osimhen | 26 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 4 |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 3 |
Only Everton and the bottom three had a worse attacking record than United last season, with the 20-time English champions scoring just 44 goals in the Premier League.
Man United can sign all the attacking midfielders and wingers they want, but without a world-class finisher to get the job done through the middle, they can’t even think about challenging the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.