Victor Osimhen Holding Out for ‘Dream’ Man Utd Move as Red Devils Consider Offering Joshua Zirkzee to Slash Napoli’s €75m Demands

The Nigerian Striker’s Ambition Meets Manchester United’s Strategic Move

Victor Osimhen’s summer saga continues to captivate football fans across Europe as the prolific Nigerian forward refuses to be lured away from Europe, despite lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. At the heart of this drama is Manchester United, who are actively looking to bring the Serie A star to Old Trafford, while seeking a clever way to soften Napoli’s hefty €75 million asking price.

It’s no secret that Victor Osimhen has had a stellar season, and his impressive form has only fueled the dream of a Premier League move. As Manchester United recalibrate after a tumultuous campaign, Victor Osimhen represents a beacon of hope — a talisman capable of restoring the Red Devils to their former glory. However, the negotiation dynamics between Napoli, United, and the inclusion of out-of-favour forward Joshua Zirkzee could prove decisive in shaping this high-stakes transfer.

What Happened? Victor Osimhen’s Firm Stand on Staying in Europe

Despite Napoli holding his contract until 2026, Victor Osimhen appears certain to move on this summer. His explosive goal-scoring exploits — 37 goals in just 41 appearances last season — have drawn attention far and wide. One of the most eye-catching proposals came from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, who reportedly put forward an astonishing €120 million offer on a three-year contract basis.

Yet, in a move that surprised many, Victor Osimhen declined the Saudi offer. His reasoning was clear and unwavering: he wants to continue playing at the highest competitive level in Europe. This determination to stay on the continent highlights both his ambition and belief in his ability to shine on the biggest stages.

Among the European suitors, Manchester United has emerged as the frontrunner. The Red Devils have long been linked with Victor Osimhen, and with their Premier League status hanging in the balance after a dismal season, they see the Nigerian forward as the perfect player to spearhead their revival.

The Bigger Picture: How United Are Planning Their Pursuit

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According to reports from the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United have reignited their interest in Victor  Osimhen. However, meeting Napoli’s full €75 million release clause outright is proving a sticking point. To overcome this financial hurdle, United are considering including Joshua Zirkzee in the deal.

Zirkzee, a young Dutch striker currently surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, is seen as a valuable bargaining chip to reduce the overall transfer fee Napoli demands. By offering Zirkzee as part of the package, United hope to persuade Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to lower the cash component and accept a mixed deal.

This approach is reminiscent of how clubs often handle expensive deals — mixing cash with player exchanges to ease financial pressures. For United, Victor Osimhen isn’t just another signing; he symbolizes the next chapter in their resurgence after narrowly avoiding relegation and suffering a heavy defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Why Might Napoli Be Interested?

Joshua Zirkzee’s career trajectory has seen him bounce between clubs, with his most successful stint arguably at Bologna last season. Though still young, the Dutch striker showed promise in Serie A, scoring goals and adapting well to the league’s tactical demands.

His situation at Manchester United has been precarious. With the arrival of new forwards and tactical shifts under manager Erik ten Hag, Zirkzee has slipped down the pecking order. Recent signings, including Matheus Cunha at his loan club Sporting Lisbon, have left Zirkzee out of the plans for the upcoming season.

Interestingly, reports indicate that Inter Milan, Champions League finalists this season, are interested in a loan deal with an option to buy. This suggests that Zirkzee still has a future in Serie A and could be a viable asset to Napoli — making him a key component in United’s strategy to land Victor Osimhen.

Why Does This Move Matter for Manchester United?

The Red Devils’ interest in Victor Osimhen has become even more urgent after missing out on Liam Delap, their original top target, who opted for Chelsea. Victor Osimhen, with his blend of pace, physicality, and clinical finishing, fits the profile of the forward United desperately need.

Last season’s struggles exposed the team’s frailties up front, with goals hard to come by. Bringing in Victor Osimhen would not only boost the attack but also send a strong message that United are serious about returning to the top tier of English and European football.

Moreover, Victor Osimhen’s ambition to play in the Premier League aligns perfectly with United’s objectives, making the move potentially a win-win for all parties involved.

What’s Next for Victor Osimhen?

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By turning down Al-Hilal’s massive offer, Victor Osimhen has effectively ruled himself out of the upcoming Club World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host later this year. This means the striker’s next competitive appearances will be with a new club next season.

Galatasaray, Turkish giants and recent Super Lig champions, have reportedly made an offer for Victor Osimhen as well. Their strong domestic performance, coupled with Victor Osimhen’s proven track record, makes them a serious contender in the race.

However, given Victor Osimhen’s stated desire to remain in Europe’s top leagues and his particular interest in the Premier League, Manchester United’s renewed pursuit could prove decisive. If United can strike a deal with Napoli that incorporates Zirkzee and some cash, Victor Osimhen could soon be lighting up Old Trafford.

Final Thoughts: A Summer Transfer Window to Watch Closely

This summer’s transfer market is heating up, and Victor Osimhen’s saga is one of the most intriguing storylines. His dream of a Manchester United move meets the club’s pragmatic efforts to balance ambition with financial realities. The inclusion of Joshua Zirkzee in the deal showcases the complexities behind big-money transfers and the evolving strategies clubs adopt to land marquee players.

For fans of both Napoli and Manchester United, this transfer could mark a turning point: Napoli getting a new forward and cash to reinvest, while United acquire a player capable of reigniting their faltering attack.

Only time will tell if the negotiations culminate in a blockbuster deal — but one thing is clear: Victor Osimhen is holding out for his dream, and the Red Devils are ready to make it a reality.