Manchester United have reportedly submitted a player-plus-cash offer to acquire Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli, with Danish forward Rasmus Højlund included as part of the deal.
Italian outlet Il Napolista reports that United’s chief transfer negotiator, Matt Hargreaves, recently travelled to Naples to meet Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The primary focus of the discussions was Osimhen’s future, with the Serie A champions demanding Højlund plus €40 million for their prolific forward.
Osimhen spent the recently concluded season on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he enjoyed an outstanding campaign, scoring 36 goals and helping the club secure the Süper Lig title.
Despite his imminent return to Italy, it is understood that Napoli do not intend to build their attack around the 26-year-old next season. Instead, the club is 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.
According to the report, “Manchester United’s representatives have arrived in the Neapolitan capital in recent days, including one of the Red Devils’ top executives, Matt Hargreaves. He met with Manna and De Laurentiis to discuss two key matters, the main one being Victor Osimhen.
“Napoli have asked for Højlund and €40 million for the Nigerian, noting his strong market value, particularly with interest from several Arab clubs. The other topic discussed was the potential inclusion of the former Atalanta striker in the negotiations, with Napoli effectively seeking a new striker plus €40 million in exchange for Osimhen.”
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Højlund, who joined United from Atalanta in a £64 million transfer during the summer of 2023, has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions but has faced criticism for inconsistency and a lack of composure in front of goal.
A return to Italy, where he previously enjoyed a breakthrough spell with Atalanta, could rejuvenate his career.
Osimhen, meanwhile, remains one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers and is reportedly also being pursued by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who are prepared to offer a lucrative deal including a starring role in this summer’s expanded Club World Cup.
United’s interest in Osimhen indicates their intent to overhaul their attacking options following a disappointing campaign, which was capped by a 1–0 post-season defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars. One final friendly against Hong Kong remains before the summer break.
