Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen believes he can still achieve his ‘dream’ transfer to the Premier League this summer, with the Napoli striker said to be holding out for Manchester United to make their move.
Osimhen performed a last-minute U-turn to reject a stunning offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who had offered the Nigerian a three-year contract worth €40 million per season.
The 26-year-old has instead decided to wait until later in the summer to resolve his future, with Italian outlet Gazzetta reporting that Osimhen sees his future in the ‘big leagues’ and won’t rush into other moves.
Osimhen’s top aim has continued to be the Premier League, having seen a move to Chelsea collapse on deadline day last summer, although his wage demands have limited his opportunities in England this year despite interest from Man United.
But United are claimed to still be interested in Osimhen and Ruben Amorim’s side could offer the forward his dream pathway to the Premier League if they can strike a deal.
However, Napoli have informed Osimhen that they will only accept his €75m release clause as a fee ‘and not a cent less’, leading to United reportedly offering Joshua Zirkzee as a potential makeweight in any transfer.
Gazzetta confirmed Osimhen is aware of Manchester United’s interest, and the Red Devils are now working on a first offer for the Napoli-owned striker.
The Red Devils seem reluctant to match the striker’s €75m clause, meaning that they’ll consider a player-plus-cash swap deal.
According to the report, Zirkzee is one of the players who could be included in the offer from Old Trafford.
A former Bologna striker, Zirkzee scored seven goals in 49 appearances across all competitions with the Red Devils in 2024-25.
But Osimhen moving to Old Trafford seems unlikely if the striker doesn’t lower his wage demands but United will be hoping that his desire to move to England may turn into desperation the further into the summer they get.
Credit: punchng.com
