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Manchester United to part ways with two stars as Osimhen links grow 

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Three-time UEFA Champions League winners, Manchester United, are considering parting ways with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund in a bid to raise funds for Victor Osimhen’s summer arrival, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old striker was adamant about a move to the English Premier League from Napoli last season, with Chelsea seeming the likeliest destination, but the move didn’t happen. Instead, he joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan.

Manchester United have spent over  £100m on strikers over the past two seasons (£36.5m for Joshua Zirkzee and £64m for Rasmus Hojlund), but these deals have yet to yield dividends.

Rasmus Hojlund 9 of Manchester United is replaced by Joshua Zirkzee 11 during the Europa League match between Manchester United and PAOK Salonica at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 7 November 2024.  [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Manchester United are currently 13th on the English Premier League table and are preparing for a summer squad overhaul as they want players that fit Ruben Amorim’s tactical demands.

The Reds have identified Victor Osimhen as the striker that’ll elevate the club’s status and make them compete among the European elites once again, but they face financial problems.

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Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts during the Turkish Super League match between Basaksehir FK and Galatasaray at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu on January 12, 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

As per TBR, the Record Champions are considering selling Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to raise fees for Osimhen. Additionally, Manchester United are considering offering a straight-swap deal with Napoli.

Reports over in Italy have suggested a return to Serie A might be on the cards for Hojlund, who previously played for Atalanta, with Juventus already eyeing the Dane as a potential successor to Dusan Vlahovic amid interest from Arsenal.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen of Ssc Napoli look dejected during the Serie A match between Ssc Napoli and Us Lecce at Stadio Maradona on April 28, 2024 in Naples, Italy. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Hojlund has left United’s chiefs unconvinced in his goalscoring abilities after scoring two goals in 19 Premier League appearances this season, with the most recent contribution coming back at the start of December.

Osimhen’s contract with Napoli runs till the summer of 2026, with the option of extending for another year included. Antonio Conte’s side are unwilling to settle for anything less than the €75m release clause included in the Nigerian’s contract.

Yunus Akgun of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team with Victor Osimhen during the UEFA Europa League match between Galatasaray and PAOK at Rams Park Stadium on September 25, 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

The ex-LOSC Lille man is currently enjoying a season-long loan spell with Galatasaray, where he’s scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 23 games for the Turkish Super Lig table-toppers across all competitions.

With Conte seemingly uninterested in making amends with his player, the door has never been more open for Osimhen to seal his desired exit away from Naples – and United are waiting in the wings to present their proposal.

Victor Osimhen celebrating at RAMS Park after scoring a stunning header against Beşiktaş. [Photo Credit/ X].

However, the Red Devils face stiff competition in their pursuit of the one-time Serie A winner. Galatasaray are keen on keeping the Super Eagles star at the club after his loan spell.

Chelsea and Arsenal have also suffered key injuries to their first-choice strikers, and have learned a sore lesson in not having strength in depth, hinting they’ll be going all-out for a striker in the summer. Both parties are interested in Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak.

United’s rivals for Osimhen have a high chance of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, and that will play a vital role in the striker’s final destination when the summer transfer window opens.

 

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