'What I'm told': Romano provides update on Victor Osimhen to Man Utd transfer talks

Manchester United are likely to sign a marquee striker during the ongoing transfer window.

The Red Devils scored only 44 goals in the Premier League last season.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed seven top-flight goals between them.

United need an upgrade in the number nine role. Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on fresh rumours about the club’s interest in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, the reputed journalist played down the recent speculation and added that United are not ‘even in talks’ with Osimhen or his agents.

He added that Osimhen has a ‘very high’ financial request. He is already on a net salary of £10.4 million per year at Napoli. United will never pay such a package to sign him.

He said: “There was some rumours in the last 24 hours about Manchester United but I can play these stories down.

“Basically what I’m told is the Manchester United are not even in talks with Osimhen or his agents or people close to the deal because they know that the financial request of Victor Osimhen is very high.

“Osimhen is on 12 million euros per net season at Napoli. Manchester United will never pay that salary.”

United are out of the race for Osimhen

The Nigeria international had a sensational 2024/25 campaign on loan at Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists. The Turkish giants are now discussing his transfer from Napoli.

The Serie A outfit are holding out for his £65 million release clause but are open to a long-term payment plan. Galatasaray have offered to pay around £34.6m up front, with the remaining in add-ons.

Napoli have yet to give the green light for the transfer. Amidst this, United’s name has been thrown into the hat, but Romano has put cold water on the speculation with a fresh transfer update.

In our view, Osimhen would instantly improve United’s attack with his superb finishing skills. However, the hierarchy are obviously reluctant to increase their wage bill with no European football next term.

The striker already earns a net salary of almost £200,000 per week at Naples. This would represent a huge outlay of over £350,000 per week in the UK with taxes included.

As per Romano, Galatasaray have offered a 33 percent increase on his wages. The Super Lig giants benefit from very low taxes, which helps in increasing the net package.

United are unlikely to match the salary requirements. The club are actively looking to offload Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, who earn £350,000 and £300,000 weekly.

They have signed Matheus Cunha on a £150,000 per week package and are most likely to keep Bryan Mbeumo in the same bracket when he arrives from Brentford.

We are not surprised that United have backed off from discussing a deal for Osimhen.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .