Man United target Osimhen but Galatasaray's £65m price tag and wages pose hurdles

Manchester United have made Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen a priority target in the summer transfer window, but face significant financial and competitive obstacles in any pursuit of the Nigerian striker, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Atletico Madrid have already made an enquiry for the 27-year-old, and United will need to outmanoeuvre their La Liga rivals if they are to bring Osimhen to Old Trafford. Galatasaray are not expected to entertain offers easily, having made the move from Napoli permanent last summer for £64.8 million, and would demand a substantial fee should formal interest arrive. Osimhen’s wages of approximately €15 million (£13 million) per year represent a further complication for any prospective buyer.

The striker has justified that outlay with a strong second season in Turkey. In 2024-25 he scored 22 goals and contributed eight assists across 33 appearances in all competitions, adding seven goals and three assists in 10 Champions League outings.

United’s need for striking reinforcement is clear. Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee are currently the club’s senior centre-forward options, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo also used in the role at various points last season. Zirkzee has been linked with a departure this summer, which would leave the squad short of proven options through the middle.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster argued that landing a top striker could be the difference between United competing for honours or falling short again next season. “If they can get a killer striker, then they will genuinely be threatening next season,” Foster said, also floating the idea of a short-term move for Robert Lewandowski, who is set to leave Barcelona as a free agent.

Whether United’s pursuit of Osimhen progresses beyond the interest stage will depend on Galatasaray’s willingness to negotiate and the club’s ability to meet the financial demands of a deal that, on current indications, would rank among the more expensive striker transfers in Premier League history.