Exclusive: Victor Osimhen Deal Hits Snag for Man Utd Over Wages and European Football

Manchester United have reignited their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window, sources close to SportsBoom have confirmed.

The Red Devils are in search of a new centre-forward and are exploring several options, with Osimhen once again emerging as a top target.

United Reconsider Osimhen After Delap Deal Falls Through

Osimhen has been a long-term target for United, though their interest had cooled in recent months. Reports suggested the club had shifted focus to Liam Delap, who has since completed a move to Chelsea.

With that option off the table, United have returned to the market and are now actively assessing forwards including Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Osimhen.

A source close to the Nigerian international told SportsBoom.com that Manchester United have made contact with the player’s representatives.

“Without going into much detail, I think United still like and fancy Victor. They have made contact with his team registering their interest,” the source said.

Wage Demands and European Football a Challenge for United

While Osimhen’s salary expectations are reportedly a concern, the bigger challenge for United may lie in convincing the player to join a club not competing in European competitions next season.

“Osimhen obviously is thinking about playing football on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and that can only happen in the Champions League,” the source added. 

“That’s where I think United may have an issue, but it’s a fantastic club. He hasn’t said no to them, to the best of my knowledge.”

Stellar Season at Galatasaray Raises Osimhen’s Profile

Osimhen, who is still contracted to Napoli, spent last season on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray after a falling out with the Serie A club. Napoli subsequently signed Romelu Lukaku as his replacement, a move that helped secure the league title.

Despite missing out on silverware, Osimhen had a prolific season in Turkey. He scored 26 goals in 30 league matches, becoming the Super Lig’s top scorer. Across all competitions, he netted 47 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances, helping Galatasaray secure a domestic double.

Limited Offers Despite Form; Future Remains Uncertain

Despite his outstanding form, Osimhen has received few concrete offers so far. His €75m (£63.3m) release clause for clubs outside Italy remains a stumbling block, and the player is determined not to return to Napoli.

The 26-year-old is now weighing up two realistic options: extending his stay at Galatasaray or accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Reports suggest Al-Hilal have tabled a €70m bid and are eager to secure the forward ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, Osimhen has yet to make a final decision on his next move.

This story is developing and more updates are expected as the summer transfer window progresses.