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The Nigerian striker is set to spark a transfer war this summer, with Manchester United leading the race for his services.
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen could be entering his final days at Napoli, with the last seven league games likely to be the last time he puts on the club’s jersey.
This is not because Napoli are looking to sell but because they may find it difficult to keep him beyond this season.
Osimhen joined the Neapolitans from Lille for a club-record fee of €75.00m in 2020. The Super Eagles star signed a five-year deal, but he is on the verge of leaving after just three years.
Osimhen’s future has been the subject of debate all season, with Europe’s top clubs battling for his services.
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Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been linked with a move for the Nigerian striker.
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15:12 - 24.04.2023
It's your turn — Osimhen pens message to Napoli fans to begin title celebration
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has started the title celebrations in Italy with Napoli on the brink of winning the Italian Serie A.
However, it appears Manchester United are leading the race for Osimhen as the club’s number one priority is to sign a striker.
With Osimhen likely to be available, we take a look at why Manchester United are willing to go all out for him.
Proven Goal Scorer
For a very long time, Manchester United have been looking for a top-quality striker but have struggled to find a solution.
Anthony Martial looked to be the one to solve their woes, but the Frenchman has been barely fit and has also not been consistent.
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This season they brought in Wout Weghorst in January as a short-term fix, but the Dutch international has not really impressed.
As a result, the Red Devils are looking for a proven goalscorer and Osimhen fits the profile perfectly.
The Super Eagles star is one of the top scorers in Europe’s top five leagues this season, having scored 21 goals in Serie A for Napoli, six more than United’s top scorer in the Premier League Marcus Rashford.
However, Osimhen has a better goal-per-game ratio, with the Nigerian averaging 0.84 per game compared to Rashford’s 0.54.
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07:29 - 24.04.2023
I was mocked for wearing boots — Osimhen's boss recounts career 'sacrifices'
Victor Osimhen's manager at Napoli has reflected on his career so far after his club took a step closer to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
This season, only Erling Haaland (32), Harry Kane (24) and Kylian Mbappe (22) have scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues than Osimhen.
However, only Haaland has a better goal-per-game ratio than Osimhen among the trio, showing Osimhen’s quality in front of goal.
Age
In fairness, Osimhen is not the only striker Manchester United are interested in signing. The Red Devils also have Kane on their list, but Osimhen makes more sense because of his age.
While Kane may be the better player and years of experience, the England international turns 30 this year.
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In contrast, Osimhen is just 24 and will not turn 25 until the end of the year. The Super Eagles star still has many years left and has not even reached his peak.
Meanwhile, Kane turns 30 soon and has already peaked, even though he is still one of the best strikers in Europe.
However, considering the Tottenham striker is reaching the age where strikers start to decline gradually, it would be understandable if the Red Devils go for a young striker like Osimhen, who is only hitting his peak.
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It is a view former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov shares, saying the club should prioritise signing Osimhen ahead of Kane.
Resale value
Although this is not to say Manchester United are buying Osimhen to resell him, they are still likely to command a huge profit if they decide to sell.
The Red Devils will definitely spend top dollar to convince Napoli to sell Osimhen this summer, but it will be good business if Osimhen continues in this current trajectory.
Osimhen is likely to command a high resale value if he is successful at Old Trafford should the Red Devils be tempted to sell.
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Although United want Osimhen to come and solve their striking woes, they are also buying him from a business perspective.
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15:12 - 24.04.2023
It's your turn — Osimhen pens message to Napoli fans to begin title celebration
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has started the title celebrations in Italy with Napoli on the brink of winning the Italian Serie A.
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