Manchester United is reportedly targeting Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a potential reinforcement in the January transfer window. According to Italian sources, the Red Devils are eager to bolster their attacking options, with their current forwards—Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Højlund, and Joshua Zirkzee—failing to deliver consistent performances this season.
United’s form has been inconsistent, despite some bright moments. Their recent 4-0 victory over Everton showcased the team’s attacking potential, with Rashford and Zirkzee each scoring twice to secure manager Ruben Amorim’s first home league win.
However, this promising result was followed by setbacks, including a 2-0 loss to Arsenal and a 3-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest. In the latter match, only Højlund and Bruno Fernandes managed to find the net, further emphasizing the need for a reliable striker.
Victor Osimhen has emerged as a top target to address these issues. The Nigerian forward, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in outstanding form, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists in just 13 appearances across all competitions. Reports from Il Mattino suggest that Manchester United may be willing to activate the €75 million (£62 million) release clause in Osimhen’s contract during the January window.
However, the club faces stiff competition from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, who are also interested in signing the prolific striker. Napoli is reportedly open to reinvesting any transfer proceeds to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season.
Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has sought to downplay the speculation. Speaking to DAZN, Manna stated that no official approaches have been made regarding Osimhen and reiterated that the player remains under Napoli’s ownership despite being on loan at Galatasaray. He urged fans and media to focus on football rather than transfer rumors, describing the ongoing discussions as premature and unfounded.
Additionally, skepticism surrounding Osimhen’s potential move to Old Trafford has grown. Italian journalist Paolo del Genio dismissed the rumors as baseless, calling them a “market lie” and stating there is no current possibility of negotiations between Manchester United and Napoli for the forward.
As January approaches, uncertainty looms over Manchester United’s transfer plans. With pressure mounting on manager Ruben Amorim to deliver better results, signing a reliable striker could be pivotal for the team’s success in the latter half of the season. Whether the club pursues Osimhen or explores alternative options remains to be seen, but fans will undoubtedly watch developments with keen interest.
