Man Utd need to move quickly to sign Victor Osimhen

Tom Weber

Updated: 16 Mar 2025 04:51 CDT
4 min read

Manchester United need to move quickly for Victor Osimhen or risk being beaten to his signing by Juventus, according to Italian media.

The Nigerian superstar is one of the top options for the No.9 position at Man Utd. Osimhen has been prolific on loan at Galatasaray this season, his hattrick against Antalyaspor this week taking his tally to 26 goals and five assists in 30 appearances for the Istanbul giants.

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Galatasaray have given up on signing Osimhen permanently after having an exploratory bid rejected by parent club Napoli in January. Osimhen is the Turkish club's impossible dream, but the Serie A side insist that his €75 million release clause must be paid.

Man Utd desperately need a striker and have earmarked the 26-year-old, as well as Viktor Gyokeres, as potential summer options. Both players won't be cheap, however, and both won't be particularly attracted by the club's anticipated lack of Champions League football.

Due to their uncertain sporting situation and financial crisis, Man Utd have already missed out on top target Geovany Quenda. If they dally and dither again, they will also lose out on Osimhen.

Juventus 'moving in advance' for Osimhen

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are growing increasingly convinced that Osimhen should be their top target for the summer, with the interest particularly driven by recruitment chief Cristiano Giuntoli, who signed the Nigerian for Napoli in 2020.

Similarly to Man Utd, Juventus will have to qualify for the Champions League to be able to sign Osimhen, which is far from guaranteed at this point. However, the Italian giants know that 'moving in advance often helps.'

Therefore, contact with Osimhen's camp has already been made and they have received confirmation of his 'maximum availability.' Moreover, Juventus will need to get a head start on the negotiations as they will actually have to sit down with Napoli and discuss a transfer.

Osimhen's release clause is not valid for Italian clubs, which means that a deal would have to be thrashed out between the two rival clubs. This could see Juventus pay a significant premium on the 26-year-old.

Dusan Vlahovic's expected departure - he is already being described as a 'former' Juventus player by the outlet - as well as Randal Kolo Muani's goal drought have made the No.9 position a priority for the Bianconeri.