“Manchester United hold first meeting over Victor Osimhen deal”

“Manchester United hold first meeting over Victor Osimhen deal”

 

 

 

Manchester United Hold First Meeting Over Victor Osimhen Deal

 

Manchester United have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen by holding an initial meeting with the player’s representatives, sources close to the club have confirmed. The discussions mark the beginning of what could become one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer, as the Red Devils look to reinforce their frontline with a proven world-class forward.

 

Osimhen, 26, has emerged as one of the most coveted strikers in world football over the past two seasons, and Manchester United’s interest is both serious and longstanding. With the club undergoing a major overhaul under the partial ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, the Nigerian international is viewed as a marquee signing who could lead a new era at Old Trafford.

 

A Long-Awaited Striker Search

 

Manchester United’s need for a top-tier No. 9 has been apparent since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022. While Rasmus Højlund has shown immense promise since arriving from Atalanta, the Danish forward is still developing and cannot carry the burden of the attack alone.

 

Anthony Martial’s persistent injury troubles and lack of consistency have rendered him an unreliable option, and United’s goal-scoring numbers this season have reflected the gap left by the absence of a lethal, experienced finisher. Osimhen, with his physical prowess, elite movement, and lethal finishing, fits the profile perfectly.

 

According to reports, the initial meeting involved club officials from INEOS and Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, with discussions centered around the player’s wage expectations, long-term ambitions, and Napoli’s asking price.

 

Osimhen’s Profile and Appeal

 

Victor Osimhen has become a household name in European football thanks to his phenomenal performances in Serie A. He scored 26 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in over three decades. Though he’s had a slightly disrupted 2023/24 season due to injuries and Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, his reputation remains intact.

 

What makes Osimhen an attractive prospect for United is his combination of athleticism, technical skill, and mentality. At 6’1”, he possesses the physical presence to thrive in the Premier League, yet his acceleration, agility, and work rate allow him to stretch defenses and create space for others.

 

He’s not only a finisher but also a relentless presser—traits that align with the modern demands of elite forward play. His age also makes him a valuable long-term investment, offering United the prospect of a five- to six-year peak window.

 

Napoli’s Demands

 

Any deal for Osimhen, however, will not come cheap. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a notoriously tough negotiator and has previously stated that Osimhen’s release clause is in the region of €120–130 million (£100–110 million). While some reports suggest that Napoli may be open to negotiating a slightly lower fee if player preference and contract variables are favorable, it’s clear that United will need to commit financially if they want to secure the Nigerian’s signature.

 

Osimhen signed a contract extension with Napoli in late 2023, partly to secure his future but also to ensure the Italian club could command a premium fee should he move on. With the player reportedly open to a Premier League move—and with Chelsea and PSG also monitoring the situation—United’s early talks are a strategic move to steal a march on their rivals.

 

INEOS Influence and Recruitment Strategy

 

This summer marks the first transfer window under the influence of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who are overseeing football operations at United. Their aim is to introduce a more data-driven, methodical approach to recruitment—a stark contrast to the often reactive and scattergun methods of the past decade.

 

Victor Osimhen is seen as the centerpiece of this strategy. He not only addresses a key tactical weakness but also represents a potential cultural shift. Sources suggest that INEOS want to rebuild the team with elite-level professionals who can set the tone for a new, more demanding environment at Carrington.

 

The club is also restructuring its football leadership team, with Dan Ashworth expected to arrive from Newcastle and Jason Wilcox already in place as technical director. Their involvement in the Osimhen pursuit is already being felt, with United now prioritizing early moves for primary targets rather than waiting until late in the window.

 

Osimhen’s Perspective

 

For his part, Osimhen has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League at some point in his career. In a recent interview, he said: “The Premier League is a league that I admire a lot. Of course, one day it would be great to play there. But I am focused on finishing the season with Napoli.”

 

Those comments, combined with the player’s refusal to commit his long-term future to Napoli, have encouraged clubs like United to make their move. Sources close to the player say he is open to the idea of joining United, especially if they secure Champions League football for next season.

 

Moreover, the chance to be the focal point of a rebuild under a new sporting structure is believed to appeal to Osimhen, who is keen on taking the next step in his career.

 

Financial Considerations

 

While United are serious about landing Osimhen, there are financial realities to consider. The club must remain compliant with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and could need to offload several players to fund the transfer. Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, and Harry Maguire are among those whose futures remain uncertain and could be sold to balance the books.

 

Additionally, the club will need to be strategic about Osimhen’s wages, which are expected to be among the highest at the club. That could trigger contract renegotiations with existing stars like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, complicating wage structure dynamics.

 

Nevertheless, insiders believe the club is prepared to go all-in for the right player—and Osimhen fits that bill.

 

What’s Next?

 

While the first meeting is just the beginning, it’s a crucial signal of intent. If Manchester United can maintain momentum in talks and satisfy both Osimhen’s personal terms and Napoli’s valuation, they could land one of world football’s most exciting attacking talents before the end of the summer window.

 

With several weeks to go until the window officially opens, more rounds of negotiation are expected. Napoli are in no rush to sell, and other clubs—including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and even Arsenal—may yet enter the fray.

 

However, Manchester United’s early move could prove decisive, especially if they continue to build a compelling footballing project under their new sporting regime.

 

 

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