According to fresh reports, Manchester United held talks with Victor Osimhen’s representatives in the last few days, but have refused to sign him.
Manchester United are looking to rebuild their attack this summer after a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals playing a major role in their underperformance.
Bruno Fernandes was the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, followed by Alejandro Garnacho and Amad with 11 each. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player managed to reach double figures across all competitions.
United have already completed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are in ongoing talks with Brentford over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo. Negotiations are progressing, with both clubs working to finalise an agreement for the Cameroon international.
The club are also in the market for a central striker. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres had been a leading target, but the Swedish striker has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a five-year deal, and a transfer now appears imminent.
With Gyökeres seemingly out of reach, United have turned their attention to other potential targets as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Why United still refused to sign Osimhen
News broke earlier this week that United target Victor Osimhen had agreed to sign for Turkish side Galatasaray this summer after spending last season on loan from Napoli in Istanbul.
According to TBR Football, although Napoli had reduced their asking price from £64 million to £55 million and Osimhen was eager to play in the Premier League, he has chosen to sign for Galatasaray as he could not wait any longer for Liverpool or United to make a move for him despite holding talks last week.
Osimhen was asking for a gross salary of around £365,000 a week, which is far more than either club were willing to offer him. Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has explained that United still chose not to sign Osimhen despite the £9 million asking price drop because the deal was not “right” for them to secure him.
“There has been some interest in England in Osimhen and talks have taken place, but Galatasaray are making their push and Napoli want this done now,” Bailey told TBR.
“I am told there has been contact with the likes of Liverpool and United, and whilst they like the player, a deal has just not been right for them to progress.
“Osimhen has waited for as long as he can, but he now wants his future resolved, and that looks to be in Istanbul. He has a fantastic campaign with Galatasaray and is ready to commit.”
United are entirely focused on their Mbeumo deal
Another reason why United have been reluctant to advance their interest in Osimhen is that they are keeping entirely focused on their continued pursuit of Brentford’s Mbeumo.
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“United will concentrate on the new front-man once they finalise the Bryan Mbeumo deal, which they are still confident of doing,” Bailey further revealed.
However, tensions are starting to grow surrounding the potential transfer. Mbeumo himself is reportedly growing frustrated with the move, as United have yet to submit their third offer, after bids totalling £55 million and £62.5 million were rejected.
Brentford are also claimed to be frustrated with how slow United are acting concerning their third bid, as the club feel their asking price of around £65 million may be even lower than his actual market value.
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