Manchester United’s situation in the summer transfer market is becoming increasingly complex. After an unstable and underwhelming season, the club acknowledges the urgent need for immediate reinforcements, particularly in attack. The technical staff have clearly prioritised the signing of a centre-forward with authority and a proven goal-scoring record.
Rasmus Højlund has shown glimpses of potential, but his youth and inconsistency underline the danger of relying too heavily on him. Chelsea share a similar urgency in the market, but Manchester United appear more determined to go all out. In this context, the name of Victor Osimhen has resurfaced on the agendas of both English giants as a serious target.
According to the Daily Mail, Al-Hilal have submitted a formal offer to sign Osimhen. The Saudi club, already home to several high-profile names, view the Nigerian striker as a crucial addition to elevate their project. Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, enjoyed a standout season in Turkey, scoring 25 goals and providing five assists in 29 appearances. Although his contract with Napoli runs until 2026, he reportedly does not feature in new manager Antonio Conte’s plans, with Romelu Lukaku expected to lead the line for the upcoming campaign.
Will Manchester United get Victor Osimhen?
Al-Hilal’s entry into the bidding war significantly alters the dynamics of Victor Osimhen’s potential transfer. For Manchester United, desperate for a proven, world-class striker, this presents a major obstacle, as they now face a rival with virtually limitless financial power. The Saudi club’s offer not only complicates the financial negotiations but also adds an emotional dimension for the player, who could be tempted by an enormous salary and the promise of a leading role in a fast-growing league.
At 26, Osimhen is entering the prime of his career. His historic 2022/23 season with Napoli, where he netted 31 goals and led the club to their first Serie A title in over three decades, cemented his reputation as one of the most coveted forwards in Europe. Securing his signature would do more than resolve Manchester United’s on-field issues; it would also send a powerful institutional message that the club still has the ambition and pull to compete for elite talent.
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From a broader perspective, the emergence of Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal underscores how financial power can now rival, even eclipse, the heritage and prestige of traditional giants like Manchester United. On a sporting level, Osimhen would be an ideal fit: aggressive, physically dominant, relentless in pressing, and deadly inside the box. But beyond his scoring record, he brings intensity, leadership, and the kind of movement that pulls defenders apart and energizes a team.
His arrival would complete a more balanced attacking setup alongside Højlund and give Rúben Amorim, or any future manager, the tactical flexibility to shape a dynamic, multi-faceted front line. However, if Al-Hilal succeed in luring him which now appears likely, United wouldn’t just lose their priority target, they would be facing a wider challenge: competing in an increasingly uneven market. The Premier League still holds sporting prestige, but if stars like Osimhen begin prioritizing lucrative but less competitive projects, the global footballing balance could tilt. And that is the real long-term danger.