Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Premier League side Manchester United over personal terms ahead of a potential summer move, 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 said on a podcast.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been in sensational form this season, netting 29 goals and providing six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
United’s immediate concern in the transfer market is reportedly recruiting a top striker given Rasmus Hojlund’s dismal form this season, with the Dane managing a meagre three Premier League goals. New head coach Ruben Amorim is understood to want the struggling forward gone in the summer.
Although personal terms have been agreed upon, negotiations between United and Napoli regarding the transfer fee are still ongoing. Osimhen has a release clause worth €75 million (£63 million), but reports suggest the Serie A giants are willing to offer the 20-time English league champions a discount.
Juventus is also a long-time admirer of the Nigerian striker, but the Naples outfit has no intention of selling to a direct rival, which strengthens United’s position.
United’s prospects of signing the prolific striker may ultimately be determined by their Europa League fate, as Osimhen allegedly wants to play in the Champions League next season. The Red Devils have backup options like Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta on hand in case the transaction goes through.
Turkish writer Ali Naci Küçük had earlier stated that the Premier League side has offered Osimhen a deal of £ 660,000 a week before tax, which would make him the highest-paid player at Old Trafford.
“There is a high possibility that Osimhen will say goodbye (to Galatasaray), but there is no decision made at the moment,” she stated. “Juventus and Manchester United both want Osimhen. The net offer from Juventus and Manchester is €20 million (£660,000 per week).
Galatasaray, where Osimhen is currently enjoying his loan spell, remain eager to retain his services but are unlikely to meet his financial demands, with the striker reportedly asking for €15m from the Turkish club.
“Osimhen’s words do not mean that he will leave,” Galatasaray’s vice president Ibrahim Hatipoglu said recently.
“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.”
Speaking on his future last week, Osimhen remained coy, 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.”
The Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray on loan at the start of the season and has had an outstanding season in Turkey, with the Istanbul club covering €6 million of his €10-11 million net annual wage and Napoli picking up the rest.
