Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly willing to accept a weekly salary of just under £200,000 to join Manchester United which is significantly lower than the previously speculated £300,000, this was according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Amid reports that INEOS, Manchester United’s new minority owners, are reluctant to match Osimhen’s alleged high wage demands, Romano clarified in an interview with Givemesport that the figures being circulated are inaccurate.
“He’s not asking for anything new. He just wants his current salary respected, which is around €12 million net per year (roughly £10.2 million), the same as last year,” Romano stated.
The revised wage expectations could make it easier for United to pursue the Napoli forward, especially considering current squad members like Mason Mount earn £250,000 per week.
Osimhen, 26, is expected to leave Napoli this summer following a hugely successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Despite ongoing interest from several European clubs, his preferred destination remains uncertain. Napoli reportedly favour a swap deal with Liverpool involving Darwin Núñez, but Osimhen is said to be more drawn to Juventus, where the club’s long-term project reportedly appeals to him.
Earlier this year, Osimhen turned down a lucrative £30 million-a-year offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, reaffirming his commitment to continue playing in Europe.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Osimhen may be holding out for a move to Old Trafford. “It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United. I don’t know if United are going to come. That’s the problem,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
The Red Devils are actively searching for a proven centre-forward, with Rasmus Højlund struggling for consistency last season and Joshua Zirkzee performing more effectively in a deeper role.
United, however, face stiff competition. Liverpool are in talks with Napoli over a potential swap, while Juventus are pushing for a deal despite complications, including Osimhen’s €75 million release clause. Notably, that clause is believed to be valid only for foreign clubs, meaning Italian teams like Juventus would need to negotiate directly with Napoli.
Turkish champions Galatasaray, buoyed by Osimhen’s goal-scoring heroics that led them to a domestic double, are also hopeful of securing his services permanently.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli expires next summer. Since joining the Serie A side in 2020, he has scored 76 goals and registered 18 assists in 133 appearances, including a league-winning campaign in 2022/23.
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