Former Manchester United stars Patrice Evra and Louis Saha have urged the club to pursue Victor Osimhen as a summer priority, arguing the Nigeria striker's proven goalscoring pedigree and big-game experience would be transformational for Michael Carrick's side — but any move would be costly given Osimhen's contract at Galatasaray and United's recent heavy summer outlay on attacking recruits.
Manchester United urged to target Victor Osimhen in summer window
Manchester United faces a clear recruiting dilemma: add a proven elite striker or continue with the younger forwards already at Old Trafford.Former United players have publicly pushed Victor Osimhen as the solution, citing his consistent scoring record and leadership pedigree as precisely what this squad lacks.
Why Osimhen is being recommended
Osimhen ticks the high-impact box: physical presence, high output at top clubs and experience delivering titles.Old hands argue United need a bona fide No.9 to compete on multiple fronts and to take pressure off the midfield and wide attackers.
Recent form and career numbers
Osimhen scored 22 goals in his debut season at Galatasaray, helping them claim the Turkish title.He arrived from Napoli where he notched 76 goals in 133 appearances across competitions, and his overall strike rate since leaving Italy remains elite.He has never played in the Premier League, but his continental résumé — Serie A title influence and Champions League experience — underlines his readiness for England.
Squad context: who United already have
United invested heavily last summer on attackers — including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo — yet the club still lacks a proven, consistent focal point up front.Sesko and Mbeumo both reached double figures in their first Premier League seasons and Cunha contributed significantly, but none offer the long-term, established scoring record Osimhen provides.
Other transfer priorities and constraints
United appear set to progress other moves, with a reported £37m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson expected to be finalized before further business.The squad also needs defensive cover and a replacement for Casemiro, who is leaving — meaning the club must balance priorities and budget.
What an Osimhen signing would mean
Securing Osimhen would be a statement of intent: a top-end striker with the temperament to lead a title charge and relieve creative players from shouldering the goalscoring burden.It would also reshape United’s recruitment blueprint from youth investment to immediate world-class impact.
Costs and risks
Osimhen’s contract at Galatasaray runs until 2029, so any move would be expensive.United must weigh transfer fee, wages and the opportunity cost of not addressing defensive gaps or midfield replacements.Paying premium for a striker can pay dividends, but it raises expectations and shortens patience for integration.
Likely next steps and timeline
If United prioritize a striker this summer, initial moves will depend on resolving other agreed deals and freeing budget.Officials will balance short-term impact versus long-term squad planning; Osimhen represents the former while United’s recent recruitment suggests a blended long-term approach.
Analyst verdict
Signing Victor Osimhen would be a high-reward option that addresses a glaring need: a proven centre-forward with physical and psychological leadership.However, it’s a high-cost, high-expectation choice that must come after sensible trimming and prioritization elsewhere in the squad.
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