
“Man United Hold Talks in ‘Recent Hours’ with Victor Osimhen’s Agents Over Sensational Summer Deal”
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Man United Hold Talks in “Recent Hours” with Victor Osimhen’s Agents Over Sensational Summer Deal
Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, holding discussions with his representatives in the “recent hours” as they explore a blockbuster move to overhaul their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season. Sources close to the negotiations confirm that United’s top brass—led by the club’s new INEOS-driven football structure—have opened dialogue with the Nigerian international’s camp to assess the feasibility of what would be a sensational summer transfer.
Osimhen, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, is viewed as one of the elite centre-forwards in Europe, having enjoyed consecutive prolific campaigns in Serie A. With Napoli willing to listen to offers, and United eager to bring in a world-class striker to partner or rotate with Rasmus Højlund, the stage could be set for a dramatic pursuit.
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A Statement Signing in the Making?
The timing of the talks is significant. Just days after the end of a turbulent season for United, the club has wasted no time in making bold moves. Victor Osimhen has a €120 million (£103m) release clause in his Napoli contract, and while the fee remains high, United’s willingness to at least initiate talks shows serious intent.
According to reports from Italian outlet Il Mattino and confirmed by UK-based sources, discussions took place between United intermediaries and Osimhen’s agents within the last 48 hours, with the Premier League club eager to understand the player’s expectations in terms of wages, role, and long-term vision.
Osimhen is said to be open to the idea of joining a “project club” in England, and while Chelsea and PSG have also been linked, Manchester United are currently one of the few clubs actively in dialogue with his entourage.
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Why Osimhen?
With 15 goals in 25 Serie A appearances in 2024/25—despite injury interruptions—Osimhen remains a powerful, athletic, and instinctive striker capable of leading the line in any top league. He possesses:
Explosive pace
Aerial dominance
Excellent hold-up play
Lethal finishing ability
At 26, Osimhen is entering his peak years and has both Champions League and international experience. United view him as a perfect complement to Højlund, allowing Erik ten Hag (or his potential successor) to rotate between two high-level strikers or even deploy them together in a front two when needed.
Importantly, INEOS wants to raise the team’s physical intensity and goal output—and Osimhen’s profile fits that brief.
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Højlund Partnership or Replacement?
There has been speculation that signing another striker of Osimhen’s calibre could signal a lack of faith in Rasmus Højlund, who had a mixed debut season at Old Trafford. However, club sources insist that’s not the case.
The goal is not to replace Højlund but to lighten the burden on the 22-year-old Dane and give the team depth and competition. United have played large portions of the season without a backup striker, relying on converted wingers or youth players when Højlund was unavailable.
Bringing in Osimhen would elevate the squad’s attacking options to elite levels, similar to how top teams like Manchester City or Real Madrid boast multiple top-tier forwards.
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Napoli’s Position
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for being a tough negotiator, but he is also realistic. Osimhen signed a contract extension in late 2023 that included the €120m release clause—likely a move designed to facilitate a controlled exit this summer.
While Napoli would prefer a bidding war, Osimhen’s desire to move on and the financial challenges of Italian football mean that offers in the region of £85m–£95m could open the door to negotiations.
Napoli are also undergoing managerial changes and squad restructuring after a disappointing title defence. Cashing in on Osimhen could help fund several new arrivals.
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Other Interested Clubs
United aren’t alone in pursuing Osimhen. Chelsea have held longstanding interest and may return to the table if they can offload Romelu Lukaku and others to raise funds. Paris Saint-Germain, flush with cash following Kylian Mbappé’s departure, are also monitoring the situation closely.
However, Osimhen is believed to prefer a move to England, and United—despite not being in next season’s Champions League—are still considered a premium global brand with the resources and ambition to challenge again under new ownership.
What may work in United’s favor is the direct communication between club representatives and the player’s camp, a move that shows purpose and personal touch—something players often value in high-stakes transfers.
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INEOS and the Changing Transfer Strategy
This potential deal also marks a significant shift in transfer strategy under the INEOS regime. Rather than focusing on aging stars or marketing-driven signings, the new approach blends data-led scouting, physical profiling, and long-term value.
Victor Osimhen, while expensive, ticks multiple boxes: age, productivity, physicality, mentality, and resale value. United are prioritizing quality over quantity this summer, and Osimhen would be a clear marquee signing to spearhead the rebuild.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford have already approved a more agile recruitment structure, allowing deals to progress rapidly when opportunities arise—such as this one.
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Wage Demands and Contract Structure
Osimhen currently earns a reported €250,000 per week at Napoli, and his representatives are expected to push for a significant increase—potentially reaching £300,000 per week in the Premier League.
United are prepared to offer a five-year deal with incentives tied to performance and Champions League qualification. Structuring the contract to balance ambition with financial control will be key to keeping the deal sustainable.
While United’s current wage bill is being reviewed, INEOS are not averse to paying big salaries—provided the player delivers.
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What Happens Next?
United are expected to formally approach Napoli in the coming weeks, especially if Osimhen’s camp signals firm interest in a move. If Napoli lower their demands below the full release clause, a formal bid could be tabled before the end of June.
United’s priority is to conclude key signings before pre-season begins in July, and a new striker is top of the wishlist alongside reinforcements in midfield and defence.
Fans should expect more updates in the coming days as the club pushes to establish itself once more as a dominant force in English and European football.
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Conclusion
The fact that Manchester United have held talks with Victor Osimhen’s agents in recent hours is a strong sign that the club means business this summer. Under the new INEOS-led structure, the Red Devils are moving quickly, decisively, and strategically in the transfer market.
Securing Osimhen would be a massive coup—one that could transform United’s attacking threat and send a message to rivals that the club is no longer stuck in transition, but actively building for greatness once ag
ain.
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