Liverpool have been told that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen won’t join them this summer, but he would be more open to joining Manchester United.
The Nigeria international is one of the most in-demand players in Europe after his goals fired the Italian side to their first Serie A title since 1990.
Recent ɾєρօɾτs suggest that Liverpool have entered the race for Osimhen.However, everything now points towards him joining Man Utd or Real Madrid.
That is according toformer Napoli Salvatore Bagni (via theEvening Standard),who claims that the 24-year-old would have rєjєƈτed Liverpool, even if they agreed a Ԁєɑł for him. Indeed, he claimed he would ‘be amazed’ if he signed for the Reds.
Bagni said: “Victor Osimhenwon’t return to France because he already played there. The same thing with Germany. He ‘won’t go to Liverpool or Chelsea because they do not play the Champions League.
“Of all the teams associated with him, for me, he would only go to Manchester United and Real Madrid. He’s not interested in the other teams.”
Now, with Liverpool seemingly out of the race, it remains to be seen whether Man Utd will make an offer for Osimhen.
Last season, the forward scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances, as well as making five assists. This gives him an incredible average of 0.97 goal contributions per match.
If he could have a similar impact at Man Utd, he could potentially turn them into serial title contєɴԀers again. But, he won’t come cheap.
Napoli paid £70m for Osimhen in July 2020. He still has two years on his contract, too. So, naturally, they will be looking to make a big profit.
As a result, ɾєρօɾτs suggest that the Partenopei will only consider bids in the region of £154m for the Nigerian. Therefore, it would require a record bid from Man Utd to get a Ԁєɑł done.
It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is looking to add a quality striker to his squad this summer.
The manager’s primary target has long been considered to be Harry Kane. But, with Tottenham standing firm on their £100m valuation, it seems unlikely he will leave Spurs.Although, Bayern Munich remain in the race.
Other names linked with the Red Devils include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani and Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. So, there is no doubt that they will sign a striker, the only question is how much they are willing to pay for one.
Ultimately, that could come down to their takeover, and how quickly it is completed.Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim is ‘growing in confidence’ that his most recent bid will be successful, but the timeframe of the ɾєρօɾτed£5.5bn takeover is yet to be ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ.
If it is completed with adequate time remaining in the transfer window, Man Utd’s hopes of signing Osimhen could become a reality.
What’s certain, though, is that the Napoli goal machine won’t be joining Liverpool this summer.
