Victor Osimhen is among the most sought-after strikers in world football and has continued to impress since joining Galatasaray on loan, but the Nigerian superstar must steer clear of a potential move to Manchester United, writes DYLAN JOHNSON.
Osimhen’s standoff with Napoli may have slightly lowered his stock after his unexpected move to the Turkish Super League, but the 26-year-old is still one of the few world-class strikers in European football. His unique player profile makes him a highly valued prospect in the transfer market, with multiple reports linking Osimhen to a transfer to Old Trafford.
He has shades of Didier Drogba in the way he holds off defenders and leads the line as a one-man army. His strength and athleticism make him a nightmare for the opposition, and he has the vision and ability to bring his teammates into the game. He can spin central defenders or come deep to get involved in the play. His relentless energy, work rate up front, finishing, and awareness make him arguably the best striking option on the market.
Osimhen has contributed 27 goals and assists in 28 appearances this season and is leading Galatasaray to their 25th Turkish League title. Gala currently sits four points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The season that introduced Osimhen as a superstar was his 2022-23 Scudetto-winning campaign with Napoli, scoring 31 goals and providing four assists in 39 appearances, on his way to earning the 2023 African Footballer of the Year award. Last season was less effective but still impressive, with 21 goal contributions in all competitions.
Manchester United is a graveyard for talent, a phrase coined by United legend Gary Neville when describing the fall-off in quality that new signings experience when arriving at Old Trafford. Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Antony, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Memphis Depay, and Angel Di Maria are just some of the names that were well respected and highly valued before joining the Red Devils and subsequently had their form, performances and market value plummet.
Ruben Amorim is attempting to make his mark at the club, but in reality it’s unlikely United will finish in the UEFA Champions League places for at least two or three years. 14th in the Premier League, out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, a miracle Europa League run is Amorim’s only hope of silverware. A complete reconstruction is needed and Osimhen can’t afford to waste his prime years in the UEFA Europa and Conference Leagues. That’s under the assumption Manchester United qualifies for European football in that period.
Osimhen is a warrior. He will fight for whatever badge he plays for, but a move to Manchester United is the wrong one. There are not many centre forwards of his level available on the market. Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea are a few of the big clubs looking into signing a striker. Osimhen is in the prime of his career, while Manchester United is stuck in a cycle of poor form and disruption.
Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres has a release clause but he has not been tested in a league as strong as the Serie A. Alexander Isak may leave Newcastle but he would command a fee close to, if not exceeding the current Premier League transfer record. Osimhen is sitting in a sweet spot. His move away from Naples is inevitable; he has proven himself at the highest level, and his fee won’t be astronomical with reports claiming a release clause of roughly €75m. A bargain for a player of his quality.
Osimhen’s next move will define his career. Manchester United, in its current state, is a club drowning in chaos. A struggling squad with no Champions League football offers nothing but risk for a player of his caliber. He has the talent to dominate Europe, to win titles, and to cement his legacy as an African great. If he values his future, he must choose wisely. Old Trafford is not the place for him.
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