Despite Manchester United’s pending move to sign Bryan Mbeumo, it appears as though the hierarchy look set to continue their hunt for added depth within the forward attacking department.
With Matheus Cunha already the first player through the doors at Old Trafford this summer, the Brentford ace looks set to be the next player to join the Brazilian.
This comes after the Red Devils placed a £60m bid for the 25-year-old attacker, who’s already expressed his desire to link up with Ruben Amorim’s side this summer.
Bryan Mbeumo 2024-25 season in numbers (timeless)
However, the club will have to wait for approval from the Bees to complete any move for the Cameroonian international, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
Their ambitions of landing added depth in such an area appear to be showing no signs of slowing down, especially considering their interest in other players across Europe.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has emerged as a surprise option for United this summer, with the 30-year-old the subject of keen interest from various Premier League sides.
Hugo Ekitiké remains a key target for Amorim’s side, after the youngster netted 22 goals across all competitions this season, but his £84m price tag may be out of the Red Devils’ budget, given the additions elsewhere.
Hugo Ekitike 2024-25 season in numbers (timeless)
However, as a result, they could turn their attention to Juventus talisman Dušan Vlahović, with the 25-year-old only having one year left on his deal, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with intermediaries over a potential move for the forward, who appears to be keen on a switch to England.
It also states that current United outcast Jadon Sancho could be utilised as leverage in any potential deal, with the Serie A outfit extremely keen on a move for the 25-year-old this window.
Why Vlahovic would be Amorim’s answer to Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has been a player who has been firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of years, and understandably so given his record across Europe.
Victor Osimhen 2024-25 season in numbers (timeless)
The Nigerian has registered 85 goals across the last three campaigns, 37 of which came on loan at Galatasaray this season - catapulting the club to the Turkish League title.
However, it appears he won’t be returning to the Italian side ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Antonio Conte’s side looking to cash in on the 26-year-old.
He’s been the subject of interest from Amorim’s side, but also has admirers in Saudi Arabia, which could see the striker demand a small fortune and price the Red Devils out of any potential move.
It’s been reported that he’s demanding a pay package in the region of £500k-per-week, a ludicrous figure that has seen United move onto other options.
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen is picture wearing a protective face mask
Vlahovic appears to be just one of those, with the Juve star even ranking as a similar player to Osimhen according to FBref, demonstrating the talent he possesses.
When comparing their respective stats from Serie A back in 2023/24, the Serbian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, making him a superb pickup if the hierarchy can complete a deal for his signature.
How Vlahovic compared to Osimhen in Serie A (2023/24)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Goals per shot on target
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Take-on success
Aerial success
Stats via FBref
The 25-year-old, “after Haaland, is the best striker in Europe at his age” in the words of Italian legend Christian Vieri, outscored Osimhen, whilst also registering a better goal per shot on target rate - having the clinical edge over the Nigerian.
He also completed more of the take-ons that he attempted, whilst registering more aerials won, handing Amorim the all-round centre-forward he’s greatly lacked.
Whilst he’s primarily a goalscorer, Vlahovic also completed more passes and more progressive passes per 90, handing the likes of Mbeumo and Cunha the chance to bolster their own tallies at Old Trafford.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Juve ace would set the hierarchy back this window, but it’s clear he would be a just as effective, but cheaper, alternative to the Napoli forward.
juventus-dusan-vlahovic-club-world-cup
Given the Italian side’s interest in Sancho, it could provide an excellent opportunity to land a bargain deal in the club’s quest to fly up the table throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
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