Manchester United have been handed mixed news regarding the potential signing of Victor Osimhen this summer amid Rúben Amorim’s desire for a new striker.
Manchester United are targeting new striker signings this summer after a poor 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and end as Europa League runners-up.
The club, once known for their attacking firepower, struggled in front of goal. Bruno Fernandes led the way with 19 goals, while Amad and Alejandro Garnacho followed with 11 each—no player reached 20.
To address their lack of goals, United are turning to the transfer market, with Matheus Cunha set to arrive from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal once he returns from international duty with Brazil.
Rúben Amorim’s side are also exploring additional attacking options, though financial constraints and the absence of Champions League football may limit their pull in the market.
Juventus drop out of Osimhen race
With United initially focusing on landing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap but subsequently losing out on the 22-year-old to Chelsea, the club must focus their attention elsewhere.
Reports from Italy earlier this week detailed that United’s director of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, had flown out to Naples to meet with Napoli regarding the possible transfer of United striker Rasmus Højlund.
Hargreaves was reportedly informed that the Serie A side would be open to accepting Højlund in a swap deal that would see Victor Osimhen head the other way, if a £33 million fee accompanied the United striker to Italy.
Although United are not the only club in the race for Osimhen, they have now been handed a boost after Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla revealed that Juventus are now unlikely to continue their interest in the Nigerian international with Cristiano Giuntoli, who was their main driver behind the Osimhen interest, set to leave the Turin-based outfit.
Osimhen has scored an incredible 37 goals in 41 appearances while on loan at Galatasaray this season, helping the club clinch the Turkish Super Lig title. He has a £63 million release clause in his contract, although this only applies to clubs outside of Italy.
United must be wary of Saudi interest in Osimhen
However, as Juventus depart as a potential rival for Osimhen, United have immediately been dealt with the news that Al-Hilal have emerged as serious suitors for the 26-year-old forward.
According to talkSPORT, the Saudi Pro League side, who are also attempting to prise Fernandes away from Old Trafford, have earmarked Osimhen as their top target for their centre-forward position this summer.
It is claimed that Osimhen is open to the Saudi move due to the lucrative contract he could receive, with Al-Hilal wanting both him and Fernandes through the doors before they compete in the Club World Cup.
Although some senior Saudi officials would rather see Al-Hilal sign Cristiano Ronaldo instead, Osimhen is reportedly the top pick among those within the team’s hierarchy.
With the Club World Cup set to kick off in under two weeks, United may have to act fast to avoid losing out on Osimhen.
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