Manchester United are reportedly exploring a player-plus-cash deal for Napoli’s wantaway striker Victor Osimhen, potentially during the January transfer window or next summer.
According to Transfer News Live via Il Martino Napoli, United are prepared to offer newly signed forward Joshua Zirkzee along with €30 million to secure Osimhen’s signature. The Premier League club is open to negotiations, including increasing the cash component of the offer.
“Manchester United want to offer Joshua Zirkzee + €30M to Napoli in exchange for Victor Osimhen! The Italian club are open to negotiations for the striker,” the report stated.
Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli has been strained since a controversial incident where he was mocked on the club’s official TikTok channel. Following the episode, the Nigerian international requested a transfer, vowing never to play for the club again. Despite interest from Premier League, Ligue 1, and Saudi clubs in the summer, no deal was reached due to Napoli’s high asking price.
The striker eventually joined Turkish champions Galatasaray on a season-long loan, where he has rediscovered his form. Osimhen has already netted eight goals and provided four assists in nine games across all competitions for the Istanbul club, cementing his value.
Osimhen has ruled out leaving Galatasaray in January, emphasizing his commitment to seeing out the loan deal. This stance has been echoed by Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk and the club’s hierarchy.
“Osimhen intends to stay here until the end of the season,” Buruk told NTV. “He has consistently told me this since the beginning. There is a clause, but it doesn’t matter—he said he will stay. The important thing is the player’s decision, and Osimhen is clear about wanting to remain.”
Meanwhile, United are looking to offload Zirkzee after the Dutch forward struggled to make an impact following his €42.5 million move from Bologna last summer. Zirkzee has managed just one goal in 17 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his underwhelming performances, Juventus and AC Milan are reportedly monitoring the 22-year-old as a potential signing.