Manchester United have been told Victor Osimhen’s final decision on his wage demands and it will make their minds up on a transfer this summer.
Manchester United have kicked off the summer transfer window on a strong note, securing the early arrival of Matheus Cunha and pushing ahead in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo.
While both players could significantly bolster United’s options in the attacking midfield and No.10 positions, the club’s urgent need for a natural centre-forward remains unaddressed.
Rasmus Højlund struggled for consistency throughout last season, and although Joshua Zirkzee is a talented forward, he tends to operate best in a deeper, more creative role.
Several strikers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but among supporters, the most popular targets are Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, who netted an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances while on loan at Galatasaray last season, is expected to leave Napoli on a permanent deal this summer.
United told Osimhen’s final wage decision
The issue surrounding a move for Osimhen isn’t just his reported wage demands – believed to be around £400,000 per week – but also his reluctance to accept a performance-based structure, which is standard for most players.
Given their current financial situation, United are not in a position to guarantee such a high salary without the flexibility to reduce it if the club fails to qualify for European competition. All players within their currently squad have had their wages reduced by around 20-25% since they’re not in the Champions League.
Despite reports claiming that Osimhen was debating his financial stance, it has now been revealed by Ben Jacobs during an interview with The United Stand that the Nigerian striker is not adjusting those demands.
Jacobs explained that United are not in the race to sign the striker as he does not want that wage reduction when not playing in the Champions League, which doesn’t suit United.
Al-Hilal are reportedly still interested in Osimhen despite seeing previous bids fail, while there are likely to be several big-hitters in Europe considering a move for him.
United are right to ignore Osimhen deal
Some may suggest that United should make a move for Osimhen anyway but his demands are simply too risky for the club, and it is interesting to note that players like Raphaël Varane, Casemiro and even Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to the terms he is refusing.
Even with Osimhen upfront, there is no guarantee that United qualify for the Champions League every season and each time they are not in the competition, money goes down.
But with his demands, Osimhen would be paid the same large amount of cash and then you would have players like Bruno Fernandes almost certainly raising an eyebrow while their wages get cut.
Osimhen is probably the best striker on the market but United are not in a place where they can afford such a risk. In fact, this is the kind of agreement you would imagine the old regime at Old Trafford might make.
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