Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is expected to leave the Serie A club in the summer transfer window after spending last season on loan at Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen pictured during his loan spell at Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen pictured during his loan spell at Galatasaray(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly turned down a transfer to Al Hilal this summer amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.
Osimhen bagged 37 goals on loan at Galatasaray last season after a fallout with his parent club after they struggled to secure a move for him last summer. The Nigerian rejected an approach from Saudi Arabia then and it appears that he has done the same this year too.
After missing out on United captain Bruno Fernandes, Al Hilal turned their attention to Osimhen to provide some star power ahead of the Club World Cup. A deal with the Naples club was agreed at £63m and it was reported that the forward would be given until Sunday to decide if he wanted to move to the Middle East.
In a bid to put pressure on the move further, Al Hilal booked travel and a medical for this weekend for Osimhen in anticipation that he would give the green light. However, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that the 26-year-old has now formally rejected the proposal by Al Hilal.
This update shall only increase speculation that United may move for Osimhen this summer. The Reds are on the lookout for a centre-forward and it appears that the striker is keen to remain in Europe when he does move.
Galatasaray are also thought to be extremely keen on making a move for Osimhen permanent and will undoubtedly be pushing hard to make that happen now that the striker appears to have rejected Al Hilal.
As for United, they currently have not bid for Osimhen. He has previously been a player on the Reds' radar and it remains to be seen if Ineos and Ruben Amorim will reignite their interest in him.
It has been reported that Osimhen's wage demands have put off Premier League clubs from approaching him formally but there may be a desire to compromise in the forward's camp to keep him in Europe.
However, ESPN reported late last week that United do not see the Nigerian as being the right fit for Ruben Amorim's forward line, with the report claiming United will not pursue signing him this summer.
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