Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, has reportedly come to terms with Manchester United on a personal level ahead of a potential switch this summer, 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 stated during a recent podcast.
The Nigerian star, currently enjoying a successful loan spell with Turkish champions Galatasaray, has been on fire this season, amassing 29 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
Manchester United are believed to be prioritizing the addition of a proven striker during the upcoming window, especially with Rasmus Hojlund enduring a difficult campaign, scoring just three times in the Premier League.
New manager, Ruben Amorim, is reportedly ready to part ways with the underperforming Dane this summer.
While Osimhen has supposedly agreed personal terms, negotiations between United and Napoli are still underway regarding the transfer fee.
Although his release clause stands at €75 million (£63m), some reports suggest Napoli may be open to offering the Premier League side a discount.
Juventus have also maintained long-standing interest in the prolific striker, but Napoli are reluctant to do business with a direct Serie A rival, which gives Manchester United a potential advantage in the race.
However, Osimhen’s desire to feature in the UEFA Champions League next season could play a crucial role in the final decision. United’s qualification for the elite competition may ultimately determine whether the deal materializes.
The club is said to be exploring alternatives such as Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta should talks with Napoli collapse.
Earlier, Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük reported that the Red Devils have tabled a pre-tax weekly wage offer of £660,000, which would see Osimhen become the highest earner 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).”
Despite the swirling transfer rumours, Galatasaray are keen on retaining Osimhen’s services beyond this season.
Nonetheless, they may struggle to meet his financial expectations, with reports indicating he has requested €15m annually from the Turkish club.
“Osimhen’s words do not mean that he will leave,” Galatasaray’s vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu commented. “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.”
Asked about his future last week, Osimhen opted for a measured response, 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.”
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan at the start of the current campaign, has been instrumental in the club’s success. Galatasaray are currently covering €6m of his €10–11m net annual wages, with parent club Napoli taking care of the rest.
