Robin Bairner
Victor Osimhen, Man Utd, 2025/26
© IMAGO
Manchester United’s quest to find a prolific striker has led Ruben Amorim’s side to look at left-field options, with a player reminiscent of Victor Osimhen under the microscope at Old Trafford.
Nigeria international striker Tolu Arokodare is not a well known name around Europe, but the Genk hitman was in prolific form last season in Belgium’s top flight, scoring 21 goals in 40 appearances.
This has caught the attention of Man Utd, who are looking to make a combination of smart and big signings as Amorim’s side is renovated over the summer.
In particular, the Red Devils need to find more threat in attack, and it is believed the 23-year-old could help them provide the type of potency that they have been without in the last couple of campaigns.
With a playing style similar to that of Osimhen, another player that Man Utd have looked at, Arokodare is a genuine candidate to join the club, with Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox both said to be impressed by the former Amiens striker. He is also said to be the type of targetman profile that Amorim wants at the club.
No potential fee has been attached to the player, but he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €16.8 million.
Tolu Arokodare: Why he’s a Man Utd target
Arokodare is the type of forward that Man Utd want. He has a similar profile to Osimhen in terms of his playing style and possesses the same game-breaking speed as his compatriot. A tall player standing at nearly 2 metres, he is very capable in the air, too.
Like the Napoli hitman, he has played in both Belgium and France, and now he appears ready to make it to the big time after a prolific campaign in which he bagged 21 goals.
Tolu Arokodare vs Victor Osimhen: Playing style (2024/25)
Tolu Arokodare
2024/2025 | Jupiler Pro League (BEL)
Centre forward (3260 Minutes played)
Victor Osimhen
2024/2025 | Süper Lig (TUR)
Centre forward (2464 Minutes played)
The crucial difference comes in terms of cost. While Osimhen is liable to set United back €70m in terms of a transfer fee and wants well over €10m in wages each year, Arokodare is a far cheaper option.
Of course, the Genk striker is untested at the highest level but the total package of any deal, wages and taxes included, would come in at a fraction of the cost Osimhen commands.
With Benfica also interested in him, United may have to make a quick decision over the poacher, who is clearly a player with the potential to explode in the right environment.
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