DEAL SIGNED ✅️: Manchester United Snubbed Liam Delap’s Transfer, Signed £89M Alternative Instead as the Superstar Bids Emotional Farewell
Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of a marquee forward in a dramatic twist to their summer transfer plans. After holding advanced talks with Manchester City prospect Liam Delap, United have snubbed the move, opting instead to sign a more experienced and versatile £89 million-rated attacker, who has now signed a long-term contract with the Red Devils.
The player in question? None other than Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian goal machine from Napoli, who now bids an emotional farewell to the Serie A club as he prepares to lead the line for Manchester United next season.
This high-profile transfer marks a significant shift in United’s recruitment strategy under manager Rúben Amorim and football director Dan Ashworth, signaling the club’s refusal to settle for potential when proven world-class talent is available — and willing.
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🔄 Liam Delap Talks Collapsed – Why United Walked Away
Manchester United had been monitoring Liam Delap, 21, for months, with initial discussions held between United officials and Manchester City’s hierarchy regarding a potential £25 million move. Delap impressed during loan spells at Hull City and Preston, showcasing physical presence and clinical finishing.
However, despite his promise, United reportedly grew skeptical about Delap’s readiness to lead the line at Old Trafford. Manager Rúben Amorim was said to have had reservations about his suitability for a system that demands high pressing, elite link-up play, and consistent European-level performance.
A source close to the club revealed:
> “Delap has talent, but this isn’t the time to develop a project striker. Amorim wants someone who’s ready now — someone who scores 20+ goals and leads from the front. That’s not Delap yet.”
Instead, United decided to go all-in on a more proven target — and the result was the capture of one of the world’s most feared No. 9s.
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✅ Victor Osimhen: United’s £89M Alternative
With Liam Delap out of the equation, United acted swiftly to trigger the £89 million release clause in Victor Osimhen’s Napoli contract, completing a deal that makes the Nigerian one of the most expensive strikers in Premier League history.
Osimhen, 26, has agreed a five-year deal worth an estimated £250,000 per week, with performance bonuses, image rights, and sponsorship tie-ins built into the agreement. He underwent his medical in Monaco earlier this week and has since flown to Manchester to complete formalities.
The signing was confirmed with the club’s signature “Here We Go” moment, and a full unveiling is expected at Old Trafford later this week.
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💔 Emotional Farewell to Napoli
Victor Osimhen leaves Napoli after four unforgettable seasons, where he scored 76 goals in 133 appearances and fired the club to their first Serie A title since 1990.
In an emotional message to Napoli fans posted to his social media accounts, Osimhen wrote:
> “You gave me more than just football. You gave me love, a home, and unforgettable memories. To the city, the fans, my teammates, and everyone at Napoli — thank you. I carry your spirit with me always. But now, it’s time for a new challenge.”
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis also issued a statement, praising Osimhen’s professionalism and calling him “a warrior who gave everything to our badge.”
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🔥 What Osimhen Brings to Manchester United
Osimhen’s arrival is a massive upgrade for Manchester United’s forward line, which lacked consistency and depth last season. While Rasmus Højlund showed glimpses of potential, the club lacked a second striker who could lead the line with experience, intelligence, and ruthlessness.
Here’s what Osimhen adds:
Elite Finishing: Osimhen scored 26 goals in his last full Serie A season. He can score with both feet and is dominant in the air.
Work Rate: Known for relentless pressing, he fits perfectly into Amorim’s high-energy system.
Movement: Osimhen constantly drags defenders out of position, creating space for runners like Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
Big Game Player: He’s scored in Champions League knockout rounds and high-stakes league matches — something United badly need.
Amorim reportedly described him as:
> “The missing piece — a striker who can turn half-chances into goals and goals into victories.”
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🧠 Amorim’s Plan: Osimhen + Cunha = Dynamic Duo?
With United also recently signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves, some fans have speculated about how both players might coexist. The reality is — they complement each other.
Cunha’s versatility allows him to play in a withdrawn or wide-forward role, while Osimhen leads the line. Amorim is expected to rotate formations between his preferred 3-4-2-1 and a 3-5-2, depending on the opposition.
Osimhen becomes the focal point of attack, while Cunha and Bruno Fernandes operate just behind, feeding off his intelligent movement and hold-up play.
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🔄 More Changes Incoming: Outgoings and Targets
With Osimhen secured, Manchester United’s summer business is far from over.
Outgoings:
Anthony Martial will leave on a free transfer.
Jadon Sancho is expected to be sold after his loan spell in Germany.
Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly, and Harry Maguire are also likely to depart as Amorim trims the squad.
Targets still being pursued include:
Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) for right-wing reinforcement.
João Neves (Benfica) to solidify midfield creativity and energy.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton) as a left-footed centre-back option.
INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are backing this aggressive rebuild, with Osimhen’s arrival viewed as the cornerstone of a new, title-challenging squad.
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⚽ Fan Reaction: “He’s One of Us Now!”
Manchester United fans are ecstatic about the signing. Supporters gathered at Old Trafford on the day the news broke, chanting Osimhen’s name and taking selfies in front of the stadium’s mega screens.
Social media exploded with reactions:
> “Victor Osimhen is a RED. This is the biggest statement signing since Van Persie. United mean business. #WelcomeVictor 🔴👑” – @MUFCSquad
Memes, tributes, and highlight reels are flooding Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok — all hailing the Nigerian as the answer to United’s long-standing striker problem.
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🏁 Final Thoughts: United Mean Business
By turning down a prospect like Liam Delap and investing in a proven world-class talent like Victor Osimhen, Manchester United have shown ruthless ambition.
No more building projects without purpose. No more waiting for talent to blossom. United want to win now, and Osimhen is the kind of player who can deliver that.
A record-breaking fee, an emotional farewell, and a global superstar donning the red of Manchester United — it’s a new dawn at Old Trafford.
And with Osimhen leading the line, the future looks frightening for opposition defences.
Deal s
igned. Statement made. Welcome to Manchester, Victor Osimhen.
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