Manchester United want to sign a striker this summer but their options are being narrowed down quickly.
The first transfer blow of the summer saw Liam Delap reject Manchester United to instead join Chelsea in a £25m deal.
It appeared that the 22-year-old was Ineos’ first-choice striker option, but attention quickly turned to Viktor Gyokeres. However, Gyokeres is close to joining Arsenal, meaning a reunion with Ruben Amorim is off the cards.
Now, United’s striker options are being depleted and Victor Osimhen could save the transfer window if Ineos can make a deal happen.
However, while Osimhen is attracted by United, the 26-year-old’s wage demands on top of an already hefty transfer fee make the deal very difficult to do.
Victor Osimhen in action for Galatasaray in Turkey.
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Victor Osimhen’s wages at Napoli and Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen is currently on the books at Napoli, but he spent last season on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray following a fall-out with manager Antonio Conte.
After scoring 37 goals in 41 games last season, it is no surprise that Galatasaray have made a big bid for Osimhen this summer to try and re-sign him this window.
The Premier League does appeal to the Nigerian striker, but it depends on whether United are willing to bend to his wage demands.
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According to ESPN, Osimhen is currently earning £300,000 per week on his Napoli deal, pocketing him over £15.6 million each year.
Turkish outlet Spor Arena reports that Galatasaray made a record-breaking offer to Osimhen worth €21 million (£18m) per year, which equates to a weekly salary of around £340,000 per week.
United would likely have to match this offer to sway Osimhen towards making a move to Old Trafford.
Where Victor Osimhen would rank in Man United’s top earners
Not only is Osimhen valued at £63.5 million by Napoli, but Ineos would have to hand out a mind-boggling contract to bring him to Manchester this summer.
Ineos have been trying to regain control of the wage bill since their takeover, with United currently struggling to offload players who have been handed bloated contracts under Glazer ownership.
But a move for Osimhen would put a dent in the new wage structure as it would immediately rank him as the second-highest earner at Old Trafford.
Casemiro currently earns £350,000 per week at United, meaning the Brazilian midfielder is the only player that would rank ahead of Osimhen if he was offered a £340,000 per week deal by Ineos.
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Captain Bruno Fernandes earns £300,000 per week at United, meaning Osimhen would arrive and immediately make more than his skipper.
It is certainly a move that would break the bank, but Ineos have left themselves with little options this summer.