Manchester United face major stumbling block in race to sign 26-year-old striker: Reports

Modified Apr 09, 2025 08:57 GMT

Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier League - Source: Getty — Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have reportedly faced a stumbling block in their pursuit of Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen. The Italian side are seemingly looking to move the Nigeria international on in the summer, with the striker currently completing a loan spell at Turkish side Galatasaray.

He is set to return after the end of the season but is likely to be sold by the Serie A outfit. A report from Ben Jacobs claims that Saudi Pro League clubs are showing interest in Osimhen and are currently ahead of the Red Devils for his signature (via @mufcMPB).

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Manchester United are said to have issues of their own, such as the finances to get this deal over the line. To finance this move, it is believed that the Red Devils would first have to sell some of their players.

As a result, Ruben Amorim and company are keen on letting go of Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho, who previously drew interest from Napoli. If Osimhen is to move to Old Trafford, he will certainly bring experience with him.

To date, the number nine has made 133 appearances across competitions for Napoli, bagging 76 goals and 13 assists. He has also managed to win the Serie A title once.

The Red Devils' links to Osimhen seem reasonable after Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have failed to fire this campaign. Zirkzee has only netted six times in 46 appearances across competitions, while Hojlund has bagged eight goals in 41 outings.

While Manchester United are widely considered one of the biggest clubs in the world, they are struggling in the Premier League this year, placed 13th. The lack of European football may play a part in Osimhen deciding against a move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United make contact with Everton striker over summer move - Reports

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a move in the summer. According to a report from TBR Football, the situation has not developed any further (via Football 365).

The English striker's contract at Goodison Park ends in the summer, after which he wishes to leave for free. He has seemingly made this decision despite the Toffees' willingness to hand him a new deal.

As for Manchester United, Calvert-Lewin may not be the solution to their issues, given his form this season. He's netted just three times and bagged two assists in 22 Premier League matches.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Ankush Das