Manchester United have reportedly tabled a player-plus-cash proposal to land Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with Danish forward Rasmus Højlund offered in exchange as part of the deal, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Italian outlet Il Napolista, United’s top transfer emissary Matt Hargreaves recently travelled to Naples to meet Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The main agenda of the talks was Osimhen’s future, with the Serie A champions demanding Højlund and €40m for their prolific forward.
Osimhen spent the just-concluded season on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he enjoyed a remarkable campaign, scoring 36 goals and helping the club to the Süper Lig title.
Despite his impending return to Italy, it is understood that Napoli do not plan to build their attack around the 26-year-old next season. Instead, the Partenopei are eyeing a move for Canadian striker Jonathan David on a free transfer as a potential long-term replacement.
“Despite Osimhen’s return, he will not be the attacker with whom the Blues will strengthen next season,” Il Napolista reported
“Manchester United’s emissaries have arrived in the Neapolitan capital in these days, to be precise one of the top executives of the Red Devils such as Matt Hargreaves. He had a meeting with Manna and De Laurentiis, discussing two themes. The main reason is of course Victor Osimhen.”
“Napoli asked Højlund and 40m for the Nigerian, specifying that he has a lot of market, considering that many Arab teams like it. So the second topic on which it was debated is the possible inclusion of the former Atalanta centre forward in the negotiation. With Naples which would thus have, in exchange for the Nigerian, a new peak and €40m.”
Højlund, who joined United from Atalanta in a £64m move in 2023 summer, has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. The 22-year-old scored 26 goals in 95 appearances in all competitions but has faced criticism for inconsistency and a lack of composure in front of goal.
A return to Italy, where he enjoyed a breakthrough spell with Atalanta, could revitalise his career.
Osimhen, on the other hand, remains one of the most coveted strikers in Europe and is also reportedly being pursued by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, who are prepared to offer a lucrative package that includes a starring role in this summer’s expanded Club World Cup.
United’s interest in Osimhen signals a desire to revamp their frontline following a disappointing campaign. The club’s frustrations were compounded by a post-season 1–0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars, with one final friendly against Hong Kong to come before the summer break.
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