Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed an “unstoppable” striker who has scored 20 goals this season is open to talks over a move to Manchester United this summer.
Zirkzee and Hojlund struggling at Man Utd
Man United survived a scare against Ipswich Town in the Premier League last night, eventually prevailing 3-2 despite Patrick Dorgu being sent off late in the first half, but Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles continued.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt provided the goals for Ruben Amorim’s side, with Hojlund and Zirkzee being ranked among the worst-performing United players on the pitch, again failing to find the back of the net.
As such, the Red Devils have been assessing potential replacements for the summer, and Romano has confirmed there is now a big opportunity to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is set to be available for £62m at the end of the season due to a clause in his contract.
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Romano has now dropped a new update on Osimhen potentially moving to Old Trafford in the summer, and the transfer expert appears to indicate a move could be a possibility under the right conditions.
The 26-year-old forward is said to be “open to hearing from Man United”, indicating he would be willing to engage in talks over a move, although a deal will only be possible if INEOS provide Amorim with the appropriate budget.
Romano has made it clear the Nigerian’s salary demands are an important factor, as he wants his Napoli wages to be matched.
"Unstoppable" Osimhen could be a huge upgrade on Hojlund
In fairness, Hojlund is still young, having only recently turned 22, but his performances this season indicate he is not yet ready to be the main man for a club of Man United’s stature, and a replacement will be needed when the summer comes around.
There are signs Osimhen could be the ideal replacement, too, having been in prolific form since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in the summer, netting 20 goals in all competitions, with six of those coming in the Europa League.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Turkish Super Lig
19
14
4
Europa League
7
6
1
During his time in Italy, the Nigeria international was lauded as “unstoppable” by BBC Sport journalist Alex Brotherton, and his performances in the Serie A and Turkish Super Lig indicate he is now ready to make the move to a top Premier League club.
It seems like a deal could be difficult to orchestrate in the summer, given the striker’s high wage demands, so some sales may be needed to fund the move, and previous reports have revealed United could be willing to sanction Zirkzee’s departure.
