Despite media reports suggesting that Manchester United and Napoli are close to an agreement for the transfer of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, no contact has been made between the parties, Kick Off Nigeria has exclusively learned.
Manchester United are expected to enter the transfer market this summer in search of a forward, following struggles to find goals from Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Osimhen has emerged as a player who fits the profile sought by manager Rúben Amorim.
Currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, the 26-year-old has registered 20 goals and five assists in 26 games. He is expected to return to his parent club, Napoli, in the summer before a permanent decision on his future is made.
In an exclusive interview with Kick Off Nigeria, a source close to the player’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has dismissed reports that Napoli, Osimhen, and Manchester United are close to reaching a deal.
“There can’t be an agreement where there’s been no contact—these reports are absolutely ridiculous,” he said, before adding: “If there’s any interest, it exists only in the media, not with Napoli or Osimhen. There is no grain of truth in them. When there are any developments, they will be clear and not just rumors.”
A move to Manchester United for Osimhen appears even more unlikely, as the Red Devils’ chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League are extremely slim. The striker has made it clear that his priority is to play in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Besides Manchester United, other clubs—including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool—have also been linked with Osimhen. Additionally, reports have suggested a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
