Africa’s Footballer of the Year for 2024 and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is to move to Manchester United on personal terms ahead of a potential summer move, according to Turkish journalist Serdar Çelikler.
“Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Manchester United. But there is also the club side of the matter,” Çelikler said on a podcast.
Osimhen on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been in sensational form this season, netting 29 goals and providing six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
United are recruiting a top striker to beef up the strike force with Rasmus Hojlund whose performance has been dismal this season, with the Dane managing a meagre three Premier League goals. New head coach Ruben Amorim is understood to want the struggling forward gone in the summer.
While the personal terms have reportedly been agreed, negotiations between United and Napoli regarding the transfer fee are still ongoing. Osimhen has a release clause worth €75 million (£63m), but reports suggest the Serie A giants are prepared to offer the 20-time English league champions a discount.
Juventus are also long-term admirers of the Nigerian hitman, but the Naples outfit have no intention to sell to a direct rival, which further strengthens United’s position in the race.
United’s chances of landing the prolific striker may ultimately depend on their Europa League fate, as Osimhen reportedly wants to play Champions League football next season. The Red Devils have kept backup options like Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta ready in case the deal falls through.
Manchester United had earlier revealed that it had offered Osimhen a contract worth £ 660,000 a week before tax, which would make him the highest-paid player at Old Trafford.
“There is a high possibility that Osimhen will say goodbye (to Galatasaray), but there is no decision made at the moment,” Küçük said. “Juventus and Manchester United clearly want Osimhen. Juventus and Manchester’s offer is a net €20m (£660,000-a-week).”
Galatasaray, is however eager to hold on to Osimhen but are unlikely to meet his financial demands, with the striker reportedly asking for €15m from the Turkish club.
“Osimhen’s words do not mean that he will leave,” Galatasaray’s vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu said recently. “He said that Galatasaray will always be in his heart even if he leaves in the worst-case scenario, but he did not say that he would leave. We want him to stay with us.”
On his future , Osimhen remained coy, saying, “There are always rumours about me, of course. But I prefer to live in the moment. I am enjoying myself right now. I am enjoying both the club and my life here.”
