Manchester United are reportedly not targeting Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen this summer, largely due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Introduced in the 2015/16 season, the PSR is designed to prevent clubs from overspending by limiting financial losses to no more than £105 million over a three-year period. The impact of these rules became more evident last season when Everton were docked 10 points for breaching spending limits, a penalty later reduced to six on appeal.
Although Osimhen appears to be an ideal solution to United’s attacking problems, their attention is currently on Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to activate his £62.5 million release clause.
According to United News, if Osimhen were to complement Cunha in the squad, the club would need to manage both the transfer fee and the striker’s significant wage demands. Reports suggest United offered Osimhen a €20 million-per-year deal, with some sources indicating a net salary of £17.1 million annually — equivalent to £330,000 a week after tax. In the UK, this would amount to £660,000 a week before tax, making him the club’s highest-paid player. However, the cost seems to be a major barrier, and United are reportedly cooling their interest in the 26-year-old.
Transfer expert David Ornstein, speaking to NBC Sports, shed light on the club’s priorities: “Their main focus for the No.10 position is Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers. He has a £62.5 million release clause. He wants to come, but personal terms still need to be agreed, which is not a formality.
“In terms of strikers, their number one target is Liam Delap of Ipswich Town, who has a £30 million release clause if Ipswich are relegated. However, Chelsea and other clubs are also interested. Delap is expected to decide his future before the European U21 Championship.
“If Manchester United do consider other options, I’m told Victor Osimhen is not one of them. Despite the speculation, he’s not on the club’s radar. They may explore alternative options or stick with internal choices like Rasmus Hojlund and shift focus to strengthening other areas.”
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has had an impressive season so far, with 30 goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
