Super Eagles star and in-form striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly reached an agreement with English Premier League club Manchester United on personal terms ahead of a potential summer transfer. The news was shared by Turkish journalist Serdar Çelikler during a recent podcast, adding fresh excitement to the transfer window.
“Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Manchester United. But there is also the club side of the matter,” Çelikler revealed.
The 25-year-old Nigerian, currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray from Napoli, has been enjoying a fantastic season, scoring 29 goals and making six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. His outstanding performance has caught the attention of top European clubs, but Manchester United seem to be leading the race for his signature.
Manchester United are desperate to strengthen their attacking line-up after a disappointing season for Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund, who has managed just three goals in the Premier League. New manager Ruben Amorim is said to be keen on a fresh start and wants Hojlund out in the summer.
This has made Osimhen a top target for United, and with personal terms reportedly settled, the next step is for the English club to negotiate a transfer fee with Napoli. Osimhen’s release clause stands at €75 million (£63 million), but there are reports that Napoli may be willing to give Manchester United a discount.
Despite interest from Juventus, the Serie A giants are not expected to sell to their direct rivals in Italy, giving United a stronger chance to land the Nigerian forward.
More financial details about the deal were disclosed by another Turkish journalist, Ali Naci Küçük, who reported that Manchester United had offered Osimhen a huge contract worth £660,000 a week before tax. This would make him the highest-paid player at Old Trafford if the deal goes through.
Küçük stated, “There is a high possibility that Osimhen will say goodbye [to Galatasaray], but there is no decision made at the moment. Juventus and Manchester United clearly want Osimhen. Juventus and Manchester’s offer is a net €20 million (£660,000-a-week).”
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Meanwhile, Galatasaray—where Osimhen is currently on loan—are still hoping to keep him. However, they are unlikely to meet the striker’s financial expectations, especially since he is reportedly demanding €15 million per year to stay.
Galatasaray’s vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu explained, “Osimhen’s words do not mean that he will leave. He said that Galatasaray will always be in his heart even if he leaves in the worst-case scenario, but he did not say that he would leave. We want him to stay with us.”
When asked about his future last week, Osimhen kept things vague, refusing to confirm any move.
He said, “There are always rumours about me, of course. But I prefer to live in the moment. I am enjoying myself right now. I am enjoying both the club and my life here.”
Osimhen’s loan move to Galatasaray has been a successful one. The Istanbul club has been paying €6 million of his annual €10–11 million salary, with Napoli covering the remaining amount. His strong performance in the Turkish Super Lig has only added to his value and increased speculation about where he will play next season.
One major factor that could determine whether the deal happens is Manchester United’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Osimhen is believed to be very interested in playing in Europe’s top club competition next season, and United’s current standing in the Europa League could be a hurdle.
If the transfer to Manchester United falls through, the English club is said to be considering other strikers, including Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta, as backup options.