It is reported that if Victor Osimhen decides to leave Napoli this summer, his preferred destination would be Manchester United, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag has identified a new number-nine as a priority for the upcoming season, and the 24-year-old Nigerian striker sits at the top of his wish-list.
Manchester United’s recruitment department had scouts present during Napoli’s recent Champions League clash against AC Milan in Naples. Osimhen found the back of the net in that match, although it wasn’t enough to propel his team to the semi-final stage. Nonetheless, Osimhen has been in exceptional form, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s first Scudetto triumph in 33 seasons.
Osimhen has outperformed other strikers in Serie A this season, scoring 23 goals. This tally surpasses Lautaro Martinez by three goals and Boulaye Dia by seven goals. His remarkable form has made him a popular choice among bettors in Serie A, particularly in live betting markets during Napoli matches. The first goalscorer market, known for its liquidity in football betting, sees Osimhen currently averaging a goal every 108 minutes this season.
Old Trafford is the more attractive destination, albeit not the most lucrative option
According to a report from Il Mattino, Victor Osimhen has expressed a preference for a move to Old Trafford and joining Manchester United, among the many clubs interested in him. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) appears to be the main competitor for United in securing Osimhen’s signature. As a financially affluent club in Ligue 1, PSG may have the ability to offer a more lucrative contract, particularly if United’s ongoing takeover negotiations extend into the next season.
While L’Equipe confirmed PSG’s interest in Osimhen, the player himself has a personal inclination towards playing in the English Premier League (EPL). In March, the 24-year-old openly expressed his “dream” of playing in the EPL. This preference is understandable, considering the EPL’s extensive global exposure, which surpasses that of the French Ligue 1, a league in which Osimhen has already gained experience.
From the Ultimate Strikers Academy to having the footballing world at his feet
Victor Osimhen, the talented goal-scoring sensation from Lagos, Nigeria, is deserving of a transformative move to one of Europe’s top-tier clubs. His journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, starting with his enrollment at the renowned Ultimate Strikers Academy in Nigeria during the mid-2010s. Recognizing his exceptional skills, the national team selectors included him in Nigeria’s U17 squad for the 2015 FIFA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in guiding Nigeria to their fifth U17 World Cup triumph in Chile. Osimhen’s exceptional performance saw him finish as the tournament’s top scorer, with an impressive tally of ten goals.
Following his success on the international stage, Osimhen secured a move to the German Bundesliga side Vfl Wolfsburg in 2017. He made his Bundesliga debut in January 2018 before being loaned out to Belgian club Charleroi for the 2018/19 season. Osimhen’s outstanding displays during his loan spell, which saw him score 12 goals in 25 appearances, convinced French Ligue 1 outfit Lille to secure his services for a fee of €12m plus add-ons. He continued to shine in the 2019/20 season, averaging almost a goal every other game for Lille. This exceptional form earned him a blockbuster €70m transfer to Italian Serie A club Napoli in the summer of 2020.
The potential departure of Victor Osimhen from Napoli would undoubtedly leave a void in the hearts of the club’s devoted fans. Regarded by Napoli legend Edinson Cavani as the best striker in the world at present, Osimhen has become an integral part of the team’s success. However, the club’s record-breaking €70m investment in the 24-year-old Nigerian forward means they could reap substantial financial rewards this summer and use the funds to secure a worthy replacement, ensuring a lasting legacy for Osimhen’s time at the club.
Surprisingly, even clubs like Newcastle United, following their recent takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), could emerge as potential suitors for another top-class striker. With newfound financial resources at their disposal, comparable to the likes of PSG, Newcastle could become an intriguing destination. Additionally, if they secure qualification for the upcoming season’s Champions League, they could present a compelling proposition to players seeking European football, especially if Erik ten Hag and Manchester United fall short of a top-four finish and face competition from their fierce rivals, Liverpool.