By Esther Edoh
Manchester, England – Manchester United’s pursuit of a prolific striker this summer could face a significant hurdle if they turn their attention to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. While the Red Devils are reportedly prioritizing a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, Osimhen remains a backup option, but his lofty wage demands could prove a major roadblock.
United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as they look to bolster their squad after a disappointing season that saw them finish a dismal 15th in the Premier League and miss out on European football. Securing a consistent goalscorer is a top priority after a meager 44 league goals last season, the lowest among the traditional “big six.” Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined for a paltry seven league goals, highlighting the urgent need for attacking reinforcement.
Recent reports suggest United have already initiated contact with Gyökeres, exploring the “conditions” of a potential deal. The Swedish international, statistically one of the best strikers on the market, enjoyed a phenomenal season, scoring 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions, including an impressive hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. Prior to joining Sporting CP, Gyökeres also boasts a strong connection to current United manager Ruben Amorim.
However, if a move for Gyökeres falls through, Osimhen is reportedly “dreaming” of a move to Old Trafford. The Nigerian international enjoyed a stellar season at Galatasaray (in this fictional scenario), netting 37 goals in all competitions.
The potential stumbling block lies in Osimhen’s current earnings. According to sources, the Nigerian striker currently earns £300,000 per week after tax at Galatasaray, which would equate to a staggering £500,000 per week in the Premier League.
Manchester United has been actively working to control their wage bill in recent years, making such a significant financial commitment to Osimhen potentially problematic. Tighter financial regulations are forcing even the wealthiest clubs to think twice about offering exorbitant wages.
Despite the potential financial constraints, a deal for Osimhen hasn’t been completely ruled out. With two months remaining in the transfer window, the club will carefully weigh their options and assess the feasibility of meeting Osimhen’s demands.
The pressure is on Manchester United to improve significantly next season. Without European football, success in domestic competitions is paramount. Strengthening their attack with a proven goalscorer is crucial to their ambitions, and the battle to secure either Gyökeres or Osimhen, or perhaps a different striker altogether, will be a key storyline to follow throughout the summer.
This news follows reports that Tottenham Hotspur have potentially “hijacked” United’s deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, further highlighting the competitive nature of this transfer window for the Red Devils.
