According to a recent article from Soccernet, former Manchester United striker Alan Brazil has urged the club to act quickly and secure Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen after their main summer target, Viktor Gyokeres, appears to have declined a transfer to Old Trafford.
United had identified Gyokeres as their primary striker target following his outstanding season with Sporting CP.
The 26-year-old Swede scored 39 league goals, the highest total in Portugal in the last forty years, along with a total of 54 goals across all competitions.
His scoring ability led Sporting to triumph in the Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal, enhancing his status as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
However, reports suggest that Gyokeres prefers a transfer to Arsenal, leaving United searching for other options.
Brazil argues that the Red Devils should shift their attention to Victor Osimhen, who regained form during a successful loan stint at Galatasaray last season, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances and providing 7 assists.
Despite falling out of favor at Napoli, where he played a vital role in winning the 2022/23 Serie A title with 26 goals, the 26-year-old is still highly sought after.
Speaking on talkSPORT (as reported by Football Insider), Brazil commented:
“At one point he (Osimhen) was exceptional at Napoli, wasn’t he? Perhaps he needs a transfer to rekindle his passion and start scoring goals again. He has the capability to head the ball. Why not? Why wouldn’t you take advantage of this opportunity? 26 is still young.”
United’s need for a reliable striker has become increasingly urgent after a disappointing season that ended with them in 15th place in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund, their marquee signing from last summer, scored only a handful of goals, worsening the club’s lack of attacking strength.
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Osimhen, Nigeria’s second all-time leading scorer, has previously rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to stay in Europe. He has also been linked with Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
Even though the Turkish Super Lig is less competitive than the Premier League, Osimhen’s prior success in Serie A and Ligue 1 indicates he can adjust and excel in top European leagues.
United manager Ruben Amorim must now consider whether to chase Osimhen or turn to Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old forward Hugo Ekitike as an alternative.
Ultimately, the report suggests that missing out on Gyokeres could be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils, provided they act decisively to secure Osimhen.
