Reports indicate that Manchester United have taken a step forward in their pursuit of striker Victor Osimhen, having engaged in preliminary talks with the player's representatives.
According to information from Foot Mercato, "a meeting occurred recently between the representatives of the Nigerian forward and Manchester United," suggesting the commencement of formal negotiations between the club and the player's camp.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan during the last transfer window, has demonstrated impressive form, scoring 33 goals and providing 8 assists in just 37 appearances across all competitions.
Foot Mercato suggests that the 26-year-old forward is attracting interest from two main areas as the summer transfer window approaches: Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.
Al Hilal reportedly made a €50 million offer for Victor Osimhen last summer, but the player opted for a move to Turkey instead. However, clubs in Saudi Arabia are said to maintain their interest in securing his signature.
The report further mentions that Neom, a project-backed entity in Saudi Arabia, is also closely monitoring Osimhen's situation.
It has also been suggested that Victor Osimhen favors a move to the Premier League, where clubs are more likely to meet his significant wage demands of €12 million annually. This salary expectation reportedly limits his potential destinations primarily to English clubs. "Frankly, only the English league appears capable of meeting the player's substantial salary demands of €12 million per year," Foot Mercato noted, underscoring the financial allure of a Premier League transfer.
Manchester United are reportedly at the forefront of the English clubs showing interest. The report states that the Manchester United hierarchy, reportedly dissatisfied with their current attacking options, have compiled a shortlist of four players for the central striker role. Osimhen is said to be a prominent name on this list, alongside Victor Gyökeres and Liam Delap, with Gyökeres reportedly being the preferred target, particularly if United secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League.
The report also indicates that Napoli are expected to demand a transfer fee exceeding €75 million, including potential bonuses, for Osimhen. "It will likely require an investment of over €75 million, including bonuses, to persuade Napoli to part with Osimhen," Foot Mercato stated.
