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Manchester United have reportedly tabled a “verbal offer” to Victor Oismhen after reaching an agreement with Napoli to pay the 26-year-old’s striker release clause.
Osimhen is currently on loan at Super Lig side Galatasaray after a permanent exit from Naples fell through in the summer transfer window.
The Turkish transfer window remains open later than the rest of Europe, meaning The Lions were able to secure an unlikely deal for a player who many had tipped to join one of the continent’s biggest clubs.
The Nigerian international has scored 17 goals in 23 games since arriving in Istanbul, playing a pivotal role in firing Galatasaray to the top of the league and the knockout stage of the Europa League.
His form has ensured Europe’s elite remain in the hunt this summer when the 26-year-old’s release clause in Naples drops from £100 million to £65 million – a significant fee but an attractive one given the paucity of proven goal-scorers on the market at present.
There is little doubt Osimhen will leave Galatasaray at the end of the season with Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, a reporter for Istanbul outlet Sports Digitale, revealing the Turkish side will find it “difficult” to compete with the European rivals.
The reporter contends United, along with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, have made “verbal offers to the player regarding salary and contract period” after both clubs reached an agreement with Napoli over the release clause.
While The Peoples Person retain a sceptical eye over this update, it would prove a major development for United’s fortunes is they were able to agree a deal to sign a number nine like Osimhen.
The dismal form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee remains a significant hindrance to Ruben Amorim’s team with zero cutting-edge or threat in the opposition box.
Amorim’s system relies upon an imposing centre-forward who offers a constant threat in behind. This frees up space for the two number tens to roam freely while the wing-backs overlap with a central target to aim for from the wide positions.
Osimhen, despite some reservations about his technical quality and link-up play, is a physical monster with relentless pressing and excellent speed. He thrives running in behind defenders and relishes the chance to get on the end of crosses.
The 26-year-old appears tailor made for what Amorim, and this current cohort of players at Old Trafford, need. He is fast; he is strong; he is experienced without being old; he thrives in areas his prospective manager wants strikers to operate; and, crucially, he is a proven goal-scorer.
Whether the Red Devils would be able to compete with PSG for Osimhen’s signature remains to be seen, however. But INEOS have shown they will pull out all the stops to secure a target, whether it’s a player, coach, or director, if that person is deemed an essential addition.
Feature image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images
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