Manchester United have taken a major step in their pursuit of Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen by holding initial talks with the player’s representatives.
Foot Mercato confirmed that “a meeting took place in the last few hours between the Nigerian striker’s entourage and Manchester United,” signalling the start of formal discussions between both parties.
Osimhen, who made a surprise loan switch to Turkey late in the last transfer window, has enjoyed a blistering spell with his current club, scoring 33 goals and providing 8 assists in just 37 appearances across all competitions.
His form has made him a sensation in Istanbul, but he remains under contract with Italian side Napoli, as the move was a straightforward loan.
Despite leading the Turkish Super Lig and being on course to claim the title, Osimhen’s current club are not expected to have the financial capacity to retain his services on a permanent basis.
Foot Mercato reports that the 26-year-old striker is drawing attention from two primary destinations ahead of the summer, Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.
While Saudi club Al Hilal reportedly tabled a €50m bid for Osimhen last summer, which he turned down in favour of the Turkish move, the Saudi interest has not waned. The report claims that Neom, a Saudi Arabian project-backed outfit, is now monitoring the situation.
Nevertheless, Osimhen is said to favour a switch to the Premier League, a league with the financial muscle to meet his substantial wage demands. Foot Mercato notes that the striker is seeking an annual salary of €12 million, a figure few clubs outside England could accommodate.
“To be honest, England has the only league capable of covering the incredible salary demanded by the player, namely €12m per year,” Foot Mercato stated, highlighting the financial appeal of a Premier League move.
Manchester United are believed to be leading the chase in England. The report says that the Red Devils’ hierarchy, dissatisfied with their current attacking options, have drawn up a shortlist of four players for the number nine role. Osimhen features prominently on that list alongside Victor Gyökeres and Liam Delap, with Gyökeres considered the top target, particularly if United secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League.
The report also adds that Napoli will demand a fee in excess of €75m, including bonuses, for Osimhen’s release. “It will probably be necessary to spend more than €75m, bonuses included, to prise Osimhen away from Napoli,” Foot Mercato reported.
Credit: punchng.com
