The outcome of Manchester United’s fresh talks with Victor Osimhen has been explained after an interesting update on Hugo Ekitike.
Although the transfer window hasn’t been open for long, Manchester United have already assessed several striker options as part of Rúben Amorim’s planned rebuild for next season.
Liam Delap was initially seen as the front runner, with his £30 million relegation release clause making him an attractive option for the recruitment team. However, he has since opted to join Chelsea, reuniting with former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca.
United then shifted their focus to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Cunha has already signed, and Mbeumo is reportedly open to the move, but both are expected to operate primarily as attacking midfielders, leaving the need for a true centre-forward unresolved.
Viktor Gyökeres, who previously played under Amorim at Sporting CP, remains a target despite his preference for Arsenal. However, the absence of Champions League football at United could be a significant hurdle in securing his signature.
Outcome of United’s Osimhen meeting revealed
While Cunha’s move to United was smooth sailing, the club’s pursuit of a striker has been anything but that.
United had reportedly re-entered negotiations with Victor Osimhen, but his wage demands, which would have made him the club’s highest-paid player, were not met by the club. It was thought, however, that as the weeks passed, Osimhen’s demands could gradually decrease until his wages were no longer a sticking point.
United have been offered a fresh setback in their pursuit of the Nigerian forward, as, according to Sabah, via SportWitness, Osimhen has shelved any potential moves to United and Arsenal following the talks, but remains open to a move to Chelsea.
This comes after Eintracht Frankfurt chief Markus Krosche admitted that if United’s other striker target, Hugo Ekitike, were to request a move this summer, they would help facilitate this transfer.
The 26-year-old scored 37 goals and assisted eight in 41 games at Galatasaray, continuing to demonstrate why he’s one of the best strikers in the world right now. As a result, he has attracted interest from several clubs, including the Manchester outfit.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, however, have moved ahead of other clubs, as they are ready to offer a tax-free annual salary of £42.5 million, while Galatasaray are also trying to retain their star striker, offering a £12.8 million annual salary as well as an £8.5 million advertising agreement.
Due to these substantial amounts of money being thrown around, the offer from United is off the table for the time being.
Should United go all out for Osimhen?
Although Manchester United have remained firm in their refusal to meet Victor Osimhen’s current wage demands, a willingness from the player to compromise could turn this into a calculated risk worth taking.
United are prioritising the addition of a striker with experience and a proven goal-scoring record this summer, and few players fit that profile better than Osimhen.
Widely regarded as one of the top strikers in world football, Osimhen represents the kind of elite talent United crave. While the club is focused on reducing its wage bill, there may come a point where compromise is necessary to land a marquee signing.
If a mutually agreeable wage structure can be reached, pairing Osimhen with Cunha and potentially Mbeumo could dramatically transform United’s attacking threat going into next season.
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