Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a summer move for Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
The 26-year-old Nigerian forward is said to have agreed in principle to join, and if it happens, it’ll be a real statement from new boss Ruben Amorim. But amid the excitement, some former pros remain cautious can Osimhen hit the ground running in England?
Let’s break it all down: why United need him, where talks stand, what makes him tick and what could still go wrong.
Why United Desperately Need a Proven Goal-Scorrer
Last season, United managed more goals than only four other Premier League sides. Their top forwards, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, scored just four and three league goals respectively. That’s not competitive for a club of Manchester United’s stature.
Troy Deeney, speaking as a pundit, described Højlund’s debut season as “awful,” mainly because he barely got into scoring positions. There’s clearly a service problem too without service, even a talented striker can struggle.
United tried to fix things by signing Matheus Cunha for £62.5m as a playmaker and by pursuing Bryan Mbeumo. But these are creative additions, not the kind of no-nonsense striker who puts the ball in the net reliably. It’s why Osimhen at his peak scoring has caught their eye.
Who Is Victor Osimhen, Really?
Osimhen has blossomed into a real goal machine. He played 30 league matches for Galatasaray last season and scored 26 goals, making him the top scorer in the Turkish league.
In total, he scored 37 goals in all competitions for the club, breaking their record for the most goals by a foreign player in a single season.
He also found the net in the Turkish Cup final, securing a domestic double with Galatasaray . His overall season stats 33 goals and eight assists in 38 games underlined how dominant he’s been.
His scoring rate is lethal: 29 goals in 34 matches, almost one in every game . Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported 25 games, 20 goals, and five assists roughly a contribution every 79 minutes.
He showed everything you want: speed, physicality, aerial presence, hold-up play. A full package for any top league.
What Experts Are Saying
Transfer whisperers like Fabrizio Romano caution that despite the buzz, Osimhen hasn’t yet signed anything.
Discussions with United are said to depend on where the club ends up in Europe and if they can meet Napoli’s price tag .
TalkSPORT quoted his Nigeria teammate William Troost‑Ekong saying: “He will be a Premier League player next season… He’ll fit into every team”.
There are mixed messages: a Turkish expert said Osimhen turned down a winter move to United, staying put in Istanbul instead. That suggests timing and club form might be bigger concerns than willingness.
The Money Side of the Deal
Osimhen is still under contract with Napoli until 2026, meaning they can demand big money. While his release clause is rumored around €75m (£63m), reports say Napoli might drop that for a summer sale.
Some outlets suggest United could get him for as little as £25–30m.
Plus, United could offer Højlund in exchange with added cash. Napoli has reportedly expressed interest in a swap-plus-cash deal Højlund plus around £33.7m .
But United’s budget depends heavily on Champions League qualification. Without it, they’ll need to make space financially before committing big.
Osimhen’s own wage demands could be steep estimated at up to €13m a year (about £250k per week). United will need to balance finances carefully if they want to land him.
Why Some Doubt He’ll Fit in England
Not everyone is convinced. A former Leeds United striker pointed out that the physical, high-paced Premier League can destroy continental strikers and referenced how Højlund and Zirkzee struggled last season.
Even prolific scorers can go cold in England. Look at past examples: top scorers from smaller leagues who hit a brick wall here.
Scoring for Galatasaray in Turkey is great but adapting to Alexis’s Energie, the relentless pressure, the defensive tracking it’s another test altogether.
What Fans Think
Fans are divided. On Reddit, one put it bluntly:
“It’s clearly because they don’t even get chances… Rasmus and Zirkzee haven't had 20 shots in the Prem this season.”
Others argue that signing any striker won’t fix things unless United improve their build-up play and creativity from midfield and wings.
Some see Osimhen as a dream signing. They point to his numbers and say he’s exactly the type of proven goalscorer this team desperately lacks. Others worry he'll hit the ground running or that the entire squad, not just the striker, needs upgrading.
What Needs to Happen Next
Here’s the checklist:
• Personal terms: Reports say Osimhen has agreed in principle, but nothing’s signed yet .
• Fee with Napoli: They need to agree a fee whether via cash, swap, or combo and clear the figure around €75m or less.
• United’s budget: Champions League would boost their spending power. Without it, they may need sales or loan plans.
• Premier League challenge: Can Osimhen adapt to a faster, tougher style? That’s the big question. Timeline matters if he struggles early, Amorim will need plan B fast.
Final Take
Will Osimhen leapfrog Højlund and Zirkzee? Almost certainly. A signing like this says United mean serious business.
Can he score 20+ goals next season? On paper, yes. His record is elite. But real pressure counts premature bluntness, fitness issues, service quality they all matter.
Is he the answer? He could be. He brings pace, power, aerial threat, and personality a real predator in the box. But he won’t fix everything. United still need to improve chances created, tempo in midfield, defensive solidity, and timing for his runs.
What will define the move? Timing. Finance. Fit. Osimhen’s ability to adapt to English football and whether United can support him properly.
TL;DR Summary
• United need goals: Only four PL teams scored fewer than them last season.
• Osimhen is red-hot: 26 league goals, 37 total for Galatasaray last season, record-breaking .
• Talk is serious: Player reportedly agreed, fee talks ongoing, swap with Højlund in play.
• Caveats remain: Wage demands, league adaptability, and United’s budget matter.
• One more striker won't solve it all but Osimhen could be the difference-maker United desperately need.
Wanderlustsport Thought
If United finalize this deal, it could be the turning point their attack has needed. Osimhen fits the bill on stats and style. But he’s going to need good support players around him who can create chances, give him the ball in the right areas, and time to settle into the pace of the league.
Nothing’s confirmed yet, though. Until the deal is officially done, it’s still up in the air. But if it goes through, it could really lift the team’s energy and finally get the goals flowing again.