Osimhen tops United five-man striker shortlist

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has emerged as the headline name on Manchester United’s five-man shortlist of striking targets as the club prepares for an active summer transfer window, with the Galatasaray forward described internally as a “dream” signing and a potentially “transformative” addition to Michael Carrick’s squad, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. According to reports by Caught Offside, United are primarily focused on strengthening their midfield, left-back and wide positions, but a new striker is also under consideration given the uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford. Osimhen, 27, has been in sensational form since joining Galatasaray from Napoli, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances across two campaigns and playing a central role in the Istanbul club’s back-to-back Süper Lig title triumphs. The Nigeria international has been described as the best striker in the world by some observers and is attracting interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs. United currently regard Benjamin Sesko as their first-choice striker and remain committed to the Slovenian’s development, having seen him score 11 goals in his debut season at the club. However, the view within Old Trafford is that Osimhen’s arrival could complement rather than replace Sesko, providing fierce competition while also serving as a figure the younger forward could learn from. Related News EPL: Chelsea reject multiple bids for defender Acheampong Chelsea make Osimhen contact — Report Kanu’s UCL legacy untouched after 30 years Reports suggest Galatasaray would demand at least €100m (around £87m) for the forward, given the substantial investment the Turkish club made to permanently sign him. The fee could prove a significant obstacle, though United’s return to Champions League football is expected to strengthen their position in the market. Osimhen’s standing in European football was further underlined this week when Fenerbahçe executive Mahmut Uslu openly admitted that virtually any top club would want to sign the Nigerian, while conceding the impossibility of a cross-city move from Galatasaray. “Who wouldn’t want a player like Osimhen? But he won’t come to us. His destinations are clear,” Uslu told HT Spor. Osimhen is under contract with Galatasaray until June 2029. Peter Akinbo Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

UPDATE NEWS: As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium do