Manchester United have been handed a possible boost regarding Victor Osimhen’s wages ahead of a possible transfer, as Rúben Amorim hunts for a new striker.
Manchester United are actively seeking new strikers this summer after a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them slump to 15th in the Premier League and finish as runners-up in the Europa League.
Once known for their relentless attacking sides, United lacked cutting edge this term. Bruno Fernandes was the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, while Amad and Alejandro Garnacho managed 11 each—no player hit the 20-goal mark.
The club is expected to strengthen their forward line, with Matheus Cunha set to arrive from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million, subject to a medical.
Rúben Amorim’s men are also eyeing attacking options, though their limited budget and lack of Champions League football could hinder efforts to land top-level players.
United and Napoli engage in talks for Osimhen
According to a report from Italy earlier this week, United’s head of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, flew to Naples to meet with Napoli regarding the possible transfer of Højlund this summer.
United have previously shown interest in Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen, who scored 36 goals in 40 appearances while on loan at Galatasaray last season, but distanced themselves from the move due to the costs involved.
However, according to the above report, Napoli insisted that they would be happy to accept a deal that would see United trade Højlund plus cash for Osimhen, as long as United coughed up about £33 million alongside the Danish international.
It has been reported that Amorim would rather sign a more experienced No. 9 this summer instead of a young future talent, and after missing out on Delap to Chelsea and Victor Gyökeres reportedly not interested in a move to Old Trafford, signing Osimhen may become the most sensible solution.
United handed Osimhen wage boost
The club’s biggest issue with Osimhen is not the fee itself, but rather his wage demands, which reportedly amount to around £10 million net per season, equivalent to approximately £15 million once tax and national insurance are factored in.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Sébastien Denis, United will only be able to afford these wages if they sell one of their two “world-class” players, Fernandes or Marcus Rashford.
With both potentially departing this summer as Rashford wants a Barcelona move and Fernandes considering a switch to Saudi Arabia, this would free up Amorim’s club to cough up what’s needed to sign Osimhen.
According to reports from earlier in Amorim’s reign, he would rather sign Osimhen than Gyökeres, and with the above-mentioned duo potentially having played their final minutes at Old Trafford, a plan to afford Osimhen’s wages can finally fall into place.
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