Manchester United have reportedly decided to trigger the release clause of an in-demand striker who is high on their list of summer transfer targets.
Head coach Ruben Amorim recently stated that a lack of goals is his team’s “biggest problem”, with only four other Premier League teams having scored fewer goals than the Red Devils (39) after 34 games this season.
Man United have subsequently been tipped to bolster their options in attack this summer, raising concerns over the long-term futures of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee who have failed to reach the heights expected since moving to Old Trafford.
It is understood that the Red Devils are prepared to keep Zirkzee – a £42m signing last summer – but Hojlund is poised to be put on the market, with the Serie A-linked Dane potentially available for just £30m.
A host of Premier League strikers have been linked with a move to Man United in recent weeks, including Ipswich Town‘s Liam Delap, who is available for £30m as a release clause in his contract has become active following confirmation of the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the Premier League.
Man Utd ahead of Juventus in Osimhen race
Delap is thought to remain a primary target for Man United, but they also hold a strong interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray.
According to TuttoJuve, Osimhen has attracted interest from major Premier League clubs including, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and especially Man United.
The report adds that the Amorim’s side are ‘willing to pay’ the €75m (£64m) release clause in his Napoli contract and are said to have offered the Nigerian an annual salary of €15m (£12.8m).
As things stand, the Red Devils are not at an advanced stage to sign Osimhen, as is it claimed that the deal is taking time to be finalised due to ‘a whim’ on the striker’s side.
Nevertheless, one of Man United’s main rivals in the race for Osimhen – Juventus – are said to have fallen ‘further behind’ despite previous suggestions that the Serie A giants were confident of securing his signature this summer.
Osimhen excelling in Turkey after hectic 12 months
After seeing a deal to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli fall through last summer, Osimhen was determined to leave Napoli and eventually completed a surprise season-long loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 campaign in front of goal, netting 31 times in 36 appearances across all competitions for a Galatasaray side who sit five points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig and have reached the Turkish Cup final.
Osimhen had previously scored 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli over three seasons, including 26 goals in 32 league appearances to fire Gli Azzurri to the 2022-23 Serie A title.
It is anticipated that Napoli will look to sell Osimhen this summer, but the 40-cap Nigeria international is not expected to continue at Galatasaray next season, with a move to another top European club such as Man United potentially on the cards.
