Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to Turkish journalist Serdar Çelikler.
“Victor Osimhen has reached an agreement with Manchester United. But there is also the club side of the matter,” Çelikler said during a podcast appearance.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been in red-hot form this season, scoring 29 goals and providing six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
Manchester United are said to be prioritising a new striker this summer, especially with Rasmus Hojlund struggling to make an impact, managing only three goals in the Premier League. New manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen to offload the Danish forward.
While Osimhen has agreed personal terms, negotiations between United and Napoli over the transfer fee are still ongoing. The Nigerian striker has a €75m (£63m) release clause, but Napoli are said to be open to offering a discount to the 20-time English champions.
Juventus are also interested in Osimhen but Napoli have no intention of selling to a direct Serie A rival, which puts United in a stronger position to secure the deal.
However, United’s hopes of signing the prolific forward may depend on Champions League qualification, as Osimhen reportedly wants to play in Europe’s top competition next season. The club has lined up alternatives such as Liam Delap and Jean-Philippe Mateta should the deal fall through.
Earlier, Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük claimed that United have offered Osimhen a contract worth £660,000 a week before tax, which would make him the highest-paid player at the club.
“There is a high possibility that Osimhen will say goodbye (to Galatasaray), but there is no decision made at the moment,” Küçük stated. “Juventus and Manchester United clearly want Osimhen. Juventus and Manchester’s offer is a net €20m (£660,000-a-week).”
Galatasaray, where Osimhen is currently enjoying a successful loan spell, are eager to keep him but may not be able to meet his financial demands, as he is reportedly asking for €15m to remain in Turkey.
“Osimhen’s words do not mean that he will leave,” Galatasaray vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoglu recently said. “He said that Galatasaray will always be in his heart even if he leaves in the worst-case scenario, but he did not say that he would leave. We want him to stay with us.”
When asked about his future, Osimhen remained tight-lipped, saying, “There are always rumours about me, of course. But I prefer to live in the moment. I am enjoying myself right now. I am enjoying both the club and my life here.”
The Nigerian striker joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli at the start of the season, with the Turkish side covering €6m of his €10-11m annual net salary and Napoli paying the rest.
