A recent report reveals that former Manchester United forward Alan Brazil has urged the club to act swiftly and sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen after their main summer target, Viktor Gyokeres, appears to have rejected a transfer to Old Trafford.
United had identified Gyokeres as their top striker choice following an outstanding season with Sporting CP. The 26-year-old Swede scored 39 goals in the league, the highest tally in Portugal over the last forty years, along with a total of 54 goals in all competitions.
His remarkable scoring ability helped Sporting clinch the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal, establishing him as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
However, reports suggest that Gyokeres prefers a switch to Arsenal, leaving United looking for alternatives. Brazil insists that the Red Devils should shift their attention to Victor Osimhen, who regained his form during a successful loan stint at Galatasaray last season, where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances and provided 7 assists.
Even with a decrease in playing time at Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in winning the 2022/23 Serie A title with 26 goals, the 26-year-old is still highly coveted.
On talkSPORT, Brazil commented: “At one stage, Osimhen was outstanding at Napoli, wasn’t he? Perhaps he needs a transfer to rekindle his passion and start finding the back of the net again.
He has the ability to head the ball. So why not? Why wouldn’t you take the chance? 26 is still considered young.” United’s need for a reliable striker has intensified after a disappointing season that ended with them finishing in 15th place in the Premier League.
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Rasmus Hojlund, their star signing from last summer, scored only a handful of goals, worsening the club’s offensive struggles.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s second all-time leading scorer, has previously turned down lucrative proposals from Saudi Arabia to stay in Europe. He has also been linked with Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
While the Turkish Super Lig is less competitive than the Premier League, Osimhen’s prior achievements in Serie A and Ligue 1 demonstrate his ability to adjust and succeed in top European leagues.
United manager Ruben Amorim must now consider whether to pursue Osimhen or explore the option of Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old forward Hugo Ekitike as a backup plan.
