Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Victor Osimhen during the upcoming January transfer window. The club is said to be monitoring the Nigerian striker closely, exploring the possibility of adding his dynamic goal-scoring ability to their squad to strengthen their attacking options.
Manchester United, often regarded as one of the Premier League’s most illustrious clubs, has faced a challenging 2024/25 season. Currently sitting in 13th place on the league table, they have accumulated just 22 points from 17 matches—a stark contrast to their usual standards. The Red Devils find themselves nine points adrift of the coveted final Champions League qualification spot, making their pursuit of a top-four finish an uphill battle. Securing a place in Europe’s premier club competition next season seems increasingly difficult for the Mancunian giants.
Amidst these struggles, Sky Sport CH reports that Manchester United may turn to the transfer market this winter in search of solutions, with their focus set on strengthening their attacking lineup. Napoli’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, has emerged as a potential target. The Nigerian international is currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, where he has been in scintillating form, contributing to 17 goals in just 15 appearances this season. However, Napoli retains the right to recall him in January, paving the way for a possible move to Old Trafford.
Reportedly, Manchester United has already initiated contact with Osimhen’s representatives, and personal terms are not expected to pose a challenge. Nevertheless, the deal is far from straightforward. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has made it clear that Osimhen will not be sold for less than his £62 million release clause. Given United’s current financial constraints under INEOS ownership, raising the necessary funds for such a high-profile signing could be a significant hurdle.
One possible solution being floated is the sale of Marcus Rashford, who has struggled for form and game time under head coach Ruben Amorim this season. Offloading Rashford in January could generate the financial resources required to fund a move for Osimhen. However, this scenario remains uncertain, given Rashford’s dip in market value and his inconsistent performances.
Despite the challenges, Manchester United remains an attractive destination for top talent. The prospect of joining a club with a storied history and global fanbase could appeal to Osimhen, especially given the opportunity to become the focal point of United’s attack. With Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for consistency, the Nigerian striker would have a clear path to cementing his place as the team’s primary goalscorer.
However, United’s financial position complicates matters further. The club has faced difficulties adhering to Premier League PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Regulations) due to limited revenue streams, exacerbated by their absence from this season’s Champions League. Unless a high-value departure occurs, such as Rashford’s potential sale, signing Osimhen in January seems unlikely.
Given the complexities of the deal, Manchester United might consider postponing their pursuit of Osimhen until the summer transfer window. This approach would provide the club with more time to restructure their finances and potentially rebuild their squad under more stable circumstances. For now, while Osimhen represents an ideal solution to their attacking woes, the likelihood of securing his signature this winter remains uncertain.
