Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has emerged as a prime target for Manchester United, with the Premier League giants placing him on their four-man shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their attack after a lackluster season that has seen their forwards struggle to deliver consistently in front of goal.
United’s current striking options, including Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, have struggled to meet expectations, prompting the club to actively seek reinforcements. Zirkzee, who joined from Bologna last summer, has only managed six goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Similarly, Hojlund has scored just eight times in 39 matches, leaving United with one of the lowest goal tallies among top-flight teams this season.
With just 37 goals in 29 Premier League games, the Red Devils have been outscored by 13 other teams, a statistic that highlights their dire need for a prolific goal scorer.
According to reputable football journalist Florian Plettenburg, Osimhen is one of four strikers on United’s radar, with the club eager to bring in a reliable and proven forward.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in exceptional form, scoring 26 goals in 30 appearances, including 20 strikes in 22 league matches.
His remarkable performances have made him the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig and a highly sought-after asset in the European transfer market.
Despite being set to return to Napoli at the end of the season, it is widely expected that the Nigerian international will move on permanently.
Osimhen has been linked with several European heavyweights, including French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but reports suggest that he is particularly keen on a move to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old’s desire to play in the Premier League could work in Manchester United’s favor as they look to rebuild their squad for the 2025/26 season.
United’s Other Striker Targets
While Osimhen remains a top priority, Manchester United are also considering other attacking options to ensure they land a prolific goal scorer. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is another name high on their shortlist.
The Swedish international has been in outstanding form under head coach Ruben Amorim, who has first-hand knowledge of Gyokeres’ capabilities after managing him at Sporting.
Two Bundesliga forwards are also on United’s radar: RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. Sesko, who has also drawn interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, has netted 17 goals and provided six assists in 36 matches this season. Meanwhile, Ekitike has been equally impressive, scoring 19 goals and registering eight assists in 38 appearances, including 13 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches.
Napoli Eyeing Hojlund as Osimhen’s Replacement
As speculation over Osimhen’s future intensifies, Napoli are reportedly considering United’s Rasmus Hojlund as a potential replacement.
The Italian club is preparing for life after Osimhen, recognizing that his departure is increasingly likely given the level of interest from top European clubs.
Hojlund, despite struggling to make a significant impact at Old Trafford, remains a highly-rated prospect, and a move to Serie A could provide him with a fresh start to reignite his form. Napoli’s potential pursuit of the Danish forward could also open the door for United to push ahead with negotiations for Osimhen.
Osimhen Focused on World Cup Qualification
For now, Osimhen’s focus remains on international duty with the Nigerian national team as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifier matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Osimhen is determined to help his country secure a spot in the tournament.
“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup, and with our situation in the group, I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen stated.
His commitment to both club and country has made him one of Africa’s most respected footballers, and as the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on where he lands next. If Manchester United succeed in securing his signature, he could be the key figure in their attacking resurgence and a vital part of their push to return to the summit of English football.
With the Red Devils in desperate need of firepower up front, Osimhen’s proven goal-scoring ability, physicality, and relentless work rate make him an ideal candidate.
Whether United can outmaneuver their competition and land the Super Eagles’ talisman remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Osimhen is one of the most sought-after strikers in world football today.
