One of Manchester United’s alternative targets to Viktor Gyökeres is now reportedly open to a transfer this summer, and he’s been described as a “goal machine”.
Manchester United are aiming to strengthen their forward line this summer following a disappointing 2024/25 season that ended with a 15th-place finish in the Premier League, with a lack of goals proving a major issue throughout the campaign.
Bruno Fernandes was the club’s leading scorer with 19 goals, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad each contributed 11. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player reached double figures in any competition.
United have already confirmed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and believe a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is within reach, though Tottenham are making efforts to hijack the move for the Cameroon international.
Despite these steps, United are still in the market for a central striker. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres has been identified as a top target, but complications surrounding his potential exit and United’s absence from the Champions League have cast doubt over a move to Old Trafford.
Openda open to a transfer this summer
Earlier in the window, when United were still finalising their lists regarding who they wanted to sign for Amorim in the summer, they were linked with a host of strikers, one of which was RB Leipzig forward Loïs Openda.
It was detailed in February that the Belgian “goal machine” was on United’s striker list as an alternative to Gyökeres, alongside his teammate Benjamin Šeško and Liam Delap, with the latter opting to move to Chelsea earlier this month.
According to Belgian football journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Openda has now decided he is open to leaving United this summer. With United’s current struggles in the market for strikers, this could provide a good opportunity for Amorim.
Tavolieri further detailed that the 25-year-old would be available for just over £50 million this summer, which is cheaper than many of the club’s current options. However, it would still require a significant portion of the club’s budget.
Openda concluded the 2024/25 campaign with 13 goals and 11 assists, following a stunning 28-goal campaign in 2023/24, during which the player registered a goal contribution every 98 minutes across 45 appearances.
United may be forced to consider alternative options
United’s initial striker list was clear, with Delap the No. 1 priority and Gyökeres a close second, but with Delap now at Chelsea and Gyökeres’ situation becoming increasingly complicated, United may have no choice but to look elsewhere.
Victor Osimhen would be an incredible purchase for the club this summer. Still, his £63 million release clause and wage demands of around £350,000 a week make a deal for the Nigerian a financial risk, unless the two parties can come to a compromise.
There is also the option of Jonathan David, who has 146 career goals to his name and is a free agent this summer, and has openly admitted that he is looking to join a long-term project.
With United looking to sign a new midfielder this summer, and if they can get Mbeumo over the line, it may be worth going for David or another cheaper striker and investing the remaining funds in securing a more high-quality midfielder instead.
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