By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 24, 2025

Victor Osimhen has begun discussions with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal after growing frustrated with Manchester United’s lack of concrete interest in securing his services from Napoli this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

According to Foot Mercato, the Nigerian forward has opened talks with the Saudi Pro League champions following what sources describe as an underwhelming pursuit from the Premier League side, who appear to have shifted their focus to alternative attacking targets.

The development represents a significant blow to United’s transfer strategy, particularly after their disappointing campaign culminated in defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, which has heightened the urgency around strengthening their forward line.

Sources close to the situation indicate that the 26-year-old striker feels undervalued by United’s apparent reluctance to make a decisive move, despite months of speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ pursuit of the prolific forward has been complicated by their focus on other attacking targets, notably Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, both of whom have emerged as priority signings for manager Ruben Amorim.

United’s current striking options have come under scrutiny this season, with both Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to consistently deliver for Amorim’s side. The club have reportedly made both attackers available for transfer ahead of the summer window, with Corriere dello Sport suggesting they would entertain offers in the region of £46m for Højlund.

Osimhen’s frustration comes despite his remarkable form during his loan spell at Galatasaray, where he has been instrumental in the Turkish giants’ success this season.

The Nigeria international has netted 25 goals in the Turkish Süper Lig, sitting three clear at the top of the scoring charts with two matches remaining, and played a crucial role in Galatasaray’s domestic double triumph.

The situation has been further complicated by Osimhen’s rejection of Juventus, which had initially appeared to strengthen United and Arsenal’s positions in the race for his signature. However, United’s hesitancy has now opened the door for Saudi Arabian clubs to make their move.

Al-Hilal’s interest represents a lucrative alternative for the striker, who has a €75m release clause in his Napoli contract that is not applicable to Serie A clubs.

The timing of Al-Hilal’s approach could prove decisive, particularly given Osimhen’s apparent eagerness to resolve his future quickly after missing out on a permanent exit from Napoli last summer.

The striker’s preference would reportedly be to remain in European football, but United’s lack of decisive action has forced him to consider alternatives.

For United, missing out on Osimhen could prove costly given the limited availability of proven goalscorers in the current market. The Nigerian’s goal record of 36 strikes across all competitions this season underlines his quality, and at 26, he represents the perfect blend of experience and potential longevity.

Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli until 2026, with the Italian club holding an option to extend until 2027 if no suitable offer materialises this summer. However, with the striker’s determination to secure a permanent move and Al-Hilal’s financial muscle, a resolution to his future appears increasingly likely to come soon.

Source Punch Ng

Posted May 24, 2025

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