Napoli will only sell Osimhen if his €75m release clause is met; Nigerian striker among options United are exploring
Manchester United are exploring a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the Nigerian forward remains open to a Premier League switch, according to sources in Italy.
Osimhen has long been linked with a departure from Napoli after a standout 2022-23 season in which he fired the club to a historic Serie A title. Despite interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal – who were prepared to trigger his €75 million release clause – the striker has turned down a lucrative three-year deal worth around €40 million per season in favour of pursuing a move to England, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Manchester United, in need of a striker after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, have identified Osimhen as a target to fill the position. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst-ever performance in the competition, and are desperate to reinforce their attacking options.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has made it clear that Osimhen will only be sold if his release clause is met. The Italian club is under no financial pressure to sell, given that the striker’s contract runs until 2026. However, United could look to structure a deal involving a player plus cash to ease the financial burden.
One name that has been discussed in potential negotiations is Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward, who struggled to make an impact at United, previously impressed in Serie A with Bologna and could be used as a makeweight in any deal. Another option could be Alejandro Garnacho, who is already set to exit Old Trafford this summer, though Napoli’s interest in the Argentine winger did not materialise into a transfer last January.
Osimhen has reportedly expressed his desire to play in the Premier League. Last summer, Chelsea came close to securing his signature before talks collapsed late in the window. Now, Manchester United could make a case for the Nigerian to come to Old Trafford.
While Al-Hilal could still make a renewed push later in the window, sources close to the situation told La Gazzetta that Osimhen is prioritising a move to a top European club.
His physicality, pace and clinical finishing make him an ideal fit for English football. The player’s arrival would also signal a major statement of intent from United as they look to rebuild their squad under Ruben Amorim.
Much further in the summer, United could accelerate their pursuit depending on the outcome of their other targets in attack, notably Viktor Gyokeres, whom the club have already approached.
Any deal for Osimhen, if United’s interest were to progress, will depend on whether they are willing to meet Napoli’s asking price outright or negotiate an alternative deal.
