Reports linking Manchester United with a sensational swoop for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen have been firmly debunked by Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who asserts that Turkish giants Galatasaray are now in pole position to secure his permanent signature.
Osimhen, who spent a highly prolific loan spell at Galatasaray last season from Napoli, reignited his formidable goal-scoring form in Turkey. This resurgence attracted significant interest from a host of top European and Middle Eastern clubs, including Manchester United and Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal.
READ:Galatasaray Considers Chelsea Striker as Osimhen Alternative in Ambitious Transfer Strategy
However, in a recent update on his YouTube channel, Romano poured cold water on suggestions that Manchester United were attempting to hijack Galatasaray’s efforts to land the Super Eagles forward.
“Guys let me clarify reports, stories you sent me on social media about Manchester United maybe hijacking the deal from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen,” Romano stated, emphasizing that the Old Trafford club is not involved in the ongoing negotiations. “From what I am told, this is not true, Osimhen is getting closer to joining Galatasaray.”
Galatasaray’s Ambitious Financial Package
According to Romano, Galatasaray has already agreed personal terms with Osimhen, with the striker reportedly set to command a staggering €16 million net salary per season.
Romano further detailed how the Istanbul club plans to meet Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, a figure Napoli has consistently demanded.
“Galatasaray will pay €40 million in fixed part and €35 million in installments to be paid in a few years,” Romano explained regarding the payment structure. He added that the final hurdle now lies with Napoli, who need to provide “the final approval to this deal with bank guarantees.”
Despite this, confidence remains high within the Galatasaray camp. “Galatasaray are getting closer and are always confident to sign Osimhen. New contacts to take place in the new week but for sure, Galatasaray remain the favourite to sign Victor Osimhen,” he reiterated.
Manchester United’s Stance and Financial Discrepancy
Romano also highlighted a significant financial disparity that effectively rules out Manchester United from the race. He pointed out that the Premier League club was unwilling to match Osimhen’s substantial wage demands. “Manchester are not part of this story, not part of the conversation. Also because Galatasaray are going to give Osimhen an important salary, €16 million euro net per season. Manchester United were not going to be at the table for those numbers in terms of salary.”
As the 2025/2026 campaign rapidly approaches, Galatasaray appears on the verge of completing one of the most significant deals in their history.
Bringing Osimhen back to Istanbul in what would be a blockbuster move clearly underlines the club’s heightened ambitions both domestically and in European competition.