Manchester United eye Osimhen-Zirkzee swap deal

• Manchester United are pursuing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, proposing a player-plus-cash deal involving struggling forward Joshua Zirkzee
• Zirkzee has scored just once in 17 appearances for United, with his form falling short of expectations so far this season
• Osimhen’s €11 million annual wages could pose a challenge to the deal

Premier League side Manchester United are reportedly preparing a major bid for Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, with plans to use struggling forward Joshua Zirkzee as leverage in a player-plus-cash deal. The Red Devils are seeking to transform their frontline with the Nigerian star while offloading a player yet to find his feet at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee, who arrived at United from Bologna just six months ago for £37 million, has only shown a decline in his brief stint so far, scoring only once in 17 appearances. Initially lauded as a rising talent, the 23-year-old Dutch forward has seen his opportunities dwindle. 

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s preference for relegating Zirkzee to a bench role didn’t also help his struggles.

With Zirkzee’s £63 million (€75 million) release clause looming large, United are reportedly preparing a €30 million (£25 million) cash offer while including the Dutch forward in the package for Super Eagles star forward Victor Osimhen. This swap deal could appeal to Napoli, who may see Zirkzee as a good backup option in their attacking lineup. 

However, the deal faces several obstacles. Napoli must be convinced that Zirkzee fits their system, while United grapple with the financial strain posed by Osimhen’s reported €11 million (£9 million) annual wages.

Napoli-owned star striker Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in scintillating form, netting eight goals in nine matches across competitions. The Nigerian forward, who had a tumultuous exit from Napoli under Antonio Conte, could leave in January if an elite club comes knocking, thanks to a clause in his loan agreement.

Complicating matters, Juventus have shown interest in Zirkzee, with Thiago Motta, his former Bologna coach, reportedly keen on reuniting with the forward. Should Juventus push for Zirkzee, United’s ability to include him in the Osimhen deal could be jeopardised.

Osimhen has long been a coveted target for Europe’s top clubs, with Chelsea reportedly close to signing him in the summer and Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli expressing interest before opting for England’s Ivan Toney.

As January approaches, Manchester United’s race to sign Osimhen proves their intent to boost their attacking options. Whether the deal materialises or not, one thing is clear, the Red Devils will try all they can to reinforce their attack line.

“Don't do it,” Galatasaray assistant manager sends message to board on Osimhen’s transfer

Previously, TheRadar reported that Galatasaray’s acquisition of Super Eagles forward Osimhen in early September was a surprise move, one that saw the Nigerian star sign on loan just days after the European transfer window closed, although linked with several  Premier League clubs and even a rumoured lucrative Saudi offer, Osimhen found a new home in Istanbul. 

However, Galatasaray Assistant Manager Ismael Garcia Gomez has sounded a cautionary note about Victor Osimhen’s future with the club, casting doubt on Galatasaray’s potential financial pursuit of a permanent deal for the striker.