Osimhen Leads Four-Man Shortlist as Manchester United Plan Striker Revamp

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has emerged as a prime target for Manchester United, who have placed the Super Eagles star on a four-man shortlist of potential striker signings ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Premier League giants are looking to reinforce their attacking options after a disappointing season for their current frontmen. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact since joining from Bologna, managing just six goals in 44 appearances. Similarly, Danish international Rasmus Højlund has recorded only eight goals in 39 matches across all competitions.

Their lack of productivity has contributed to United’s broader attacking woes, with the team managing just 37 goals in 29 Premier League games—ranking them among the lowest-scoring sides in the top flight.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Osimhen has been identified as a key transfer target, alongside three other forwards, as United prepare for a busy summer window.

Currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen has been in scintillating form, scoring 26 goals in 30 appearances, including 20 in 22 league matches. His performances have made him the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig. Although he is expected to return to parent club Napoli at the end of the season, a permanent departure looks likely, with several European clubs circling.

Reports suggest that Osimhen is open to a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from other major clubs, including French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United are also eyeing Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres, who has impressed under coach Rúben Amorim, as well as Bundesliga stars Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig and Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt. Šeško has tallied 17 goals and six assists in 36 matches this season, while Ekitike has struck 19 goals and provided eight assists in 38 games, including 13 in 25 Bundesliga outings.

In an interesting twist, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli are considering a move for United’s Højlund as a potential replacement should Osimhen leave.

Osimhen is currently with the Nigerian national team, preparing for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The Super Eagles, desperate to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are looking to bounce back after missing out on the 2022 tournament.

“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup,” Osimhen said. “With our situation in the group, I am desperate—like the rest of the team—to qualify for the 2026 tournament. We suffered a big disappointment in 2022, and we simply can’t let that happen again—to us, the country, and our generation.”