Manchester United’s hunt for a prolific striker has been ongoing for several transfer windows. Despite investing in promising forwards like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, the club has struggled to find consistent goal-scoring form. Both Hojlund and Zirkzee have yet to live up to the expectations of a top Premier League side, prompting the need for reinforcements.
Manchester United have reportedly turned their attention to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as they search for a reliable goal scorer to bolster their attack this summer. According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have made initial inquiries about Watkins, signaling a possible move that could shake up the Premier League transfer window.
The club’s summer signings of Matheus Cunha and soon-to-arrive winger Bryan Mbeumo aim to add creativity and goals from wider positions. However, the glaring need remains a striker who can reliably finish chances and lead the line. Watkins fits this profile better than the current options, offering a more experienced and well-rounded attacking presence.
The problem with the signing
Despite Manchester United’s interest, landing Ollie Watkins will not come cheap. The Aston Villa star is a key figure for the Midlands club, and his market value reflects that status. Unlike young prospects, Watkins is 28 years old, which could factor into negotiations as United balance their desire for quality with long-term planning.
Watkins is known for his versatility, often dropping deep or drifting wide to create opportunities rather than playing as a traditional poacher. While this makes him a valuable all-around attacker, some critics argue he is not a pure goal scorer, which might not fully address United’s needs if the club seeks a lethal finisher.
Additionally, reports suggest that Manchester United have held recent discussions to explore the financial and contractual conditions surrounding a potential deal for Watkins. These early talks indicate genuine interest but also underline the challenges of striking a bargain given Aston Villa’s reluctance to sell.
Alternative targets and the Sporting CP connection
Interestingly, some insiders believe Manchester United’s ideal striker might come from an unexpected place: Sporting CP. With Ruben Amorim now in charge at Old Trafford, speculation has grown around the potential signing of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres has impressed in Portugal with his goal-scoring ability and work rate, making him a tantalizing prospect for United’s forward line.
Unlike Watkins, Gyokeres is a bit younger and could represent a long-term solution, fitting into Manchester United’s broader rebuilding strategy under Amorim. However, such a move remains speculative, and much will depend on negotiations and scouting reports in the coming weeks.
Manchester United’s interest in Ollie Watkins shows their intent to add experience and quality upfront, but financial and strategic factors mean the transfer saga is far from over. Whether the club opts for the proven Premier League striker or explores younger talent like Gyokeres, fans can expect plenty of action in the weeks ahead.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.