Rasmus Højlund-Victor Osimhen swap deal explained as forward ‘wants to join’ Manchester United

The likelihood of a transfer swap involving Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Højlund has been explained amid Manchester United’s search for a new striker this summer.

Manchester United are set to prioritise attacking reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim’s side continue to struggle in front of goal.

United’s lack of firepower has been a persistent issue this season, with the team frequently failing to score more than once per game. Their inconsistent form at Old Trafford has only added to concerns.

Last month, the club loaned out several first-team forwards, including Antony to Real Betis, Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley to Walsall for the remainder of the season.

Despite these departures, United did not strengthen their attacking options in January. Their only additions were defensive reinforcements—left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal—though Amorim has hinted that Dorgu could also be utilised in a more advanced role.

Højlund-Osimhen swap deal explained

According to a new report from talkSPORT, Serie A side Napoli are interested in signing United forward Rasmus Højlund, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford this season.

After scoring five goals in five games at the start of Amorim’s tenure at the club, Højlund, who United signed for £72 million in 2023, has now failed to score in his last 16 appearances, leading some to feel as if he should be moved on.

The report states that Højlund is still highly regarded in Italy following his stint with Atlanta, where he scored ten goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances before his move to Old Trafford.

However, it’s said that the Naples club would only be willing to pay a fraction of the £72 million fee United paid for him in order to take him at the club.

United are said to hold a significant interest in Napoli Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray following a falling out with the club’s board, but talkSPORT state that any potential swap deal would be “complicated” to execute.

Osimhen ‘wants to join’ United

Osimhen has been in fine form this season, registering 19 goals and five assists in 24 appearances. This continues his impressive run in Italy, where he scored 66 times over the past three campaigns.

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At 26, he would be an ideal signing for Amorim, fitting seamlessly into the head coach’s preferred system while offering the versatility to score in various situations.

According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Osimhen is keen on a move to Old Trafford, where he could fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League.

However, questions remain over whether Manchester United can meet his wage demands and submit a bid substantial enough to convince Napoli to sell this summer.

Multiple reports have confirmed over the last six months that Osimhen has a release clause of £62 million in his current Napoli contract.

With the player deriving interest from multiple parties, Amorim’s team may have to fork out that cash this summer if they want the Nigerian international.

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