•Victor Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen may be heading to Manchester United following three-way negotiations involving his current club, Napoli, Osimhen and the Red Devils, according to latest reports.
Osimhen is said to have agreed to personal terms with the Red Devils, including a whopping weekly wage of £660,000 before tax, reports Express.co.uk.
The deal, which is expected to be finalised soon, could make the Nigerian the most expensive signing in Manchester United’s history. But the real transfer sum has not been revealed by either Manchester United or the other parties.
When asked about his future, Osimhen reportedly said: “Don’t worry, very soon a decision will be taken, and I am preparing as we are resting now.”
His statement suggests that Osimhen is confident about his future and is preparing for a new chapter in his career.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has confirmed that Osimhen will leave the club this summer. A source from his camp revealed, “Victor will move; he may wear the red colour in England. There are moves already, and it is what he wants.”
Unlike his response to Al-Hilal’s lucrative offer, Osimhen seems keen on joining Manchester United. The club has been in talks with his representatives, and while there is no official confirmation from the club, an agreement might be near.
There was no confirmation on Saturday, June 14, 2025, that Osimhen has officially signed with Manchester United.
However, it is reported that Osimhen had an agreement with Manchester United for a transfer to take place in the summer transfer window, which opens today, Monday, June 16, with a transfer fee potentially ranging from €30m to €35m. This suggests that Napoli might consider a discount on the €75 million release clause, but they are still holding out for a significant transfer fee.
Manchester United opened talks with Osimhen regarding a potential summer switch to Old Trafford, and shortly after learnt that Viktor Gyokeres rejected the chance to join forces with Ruben Amorim again.
United’s quest for a marquee striker signing this summer has seen them cast their eyes over an array of players. Osimhen and Gyokeres, known for their goal-scoring exploits, are both targets.
Footmercato reported that the Premier League heavyweights commenced negotiations with Osimhen, while still pursuing the signings of Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. Yet, the Portuguese outlets have since reported that the Swede has declined their advances, with his representatives communicating the decision to United’s hierarchy.
Gyokeres, who is poised to embrace a fresh challenge, recently hit out at speculation surrounding his future. He remarked on Instagram: “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”
Last season, the Swedish forward scored over 50 goals in Portugal, and has netted almost 100 times over two seasons in the country.
Osimhen, on the other hand, spent the season on loan in Turkey, and was instrumental in Galatasaray’s league win with an impressive haul of 37 goals, further enhancing his appeal. Neither he nor Gyokeres are expected to be sold without a fight, with Arsenal also keeping a close eye on the Sporting sensation.
Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand has voiced his opinion, suggesting the club should have gone for Osimhen over Gyokeres, with the Nigerian striker seemingly out of favour at Napoli despite his goal-scoring record.
He commented: “I think Gyokeres, everyone’s talking about him. Again, I think if I’m looking at the market now and I had to pick him or Osimhen, I’d probably pick Osimhen because of that experience.
“And he’s shown he’s done it in multiple leagues now. And he’s done it internationally as well. I think he’s a top-class number nine who, again, the young players will be able to learn from. I’m not saying that Gyokeres would fail. I’m just saying that if I had a preference, I would go there.”
