Manchester United Target Victor Osimhen as New Striker

MANCHESTER — Manchester United are preparing to make a major move in the summer transfer window to fix a long-running problem in front of goal. Weak scoring last season has pushed the club to accelerate its search for a new striker, with Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen now sitting at the top of the wishlist as the dream signing for Old Trafford.

The push comes after a detailed review of United’s attack, which was seen as lacking sharpness. Benjamin Sesko did deliver a decent debut season, scoring 12 goals in 32 appearances across 1,817 minutes. Even so, reports from CaughtOffside say the Premier League giants still want an experienced striker to support and complete the squad rebuild.

Former Arsenal striker and current Sky Sports analyst Alan Smith said United cannot rely on a young forward alone.

“Sesko has huge potential, but placing the whole burden of United’s attack on his shoulders would be a mistake. They need a proven predator in the box if they want to compete for the title,” he told the British media.

Financial hurdles in the Victor Osimhen deal

Signing Victor Osimhen will not be easy for United’s hierarchy, largely because the player carries a huge price tag. The striker, who now plays for Galatasaray, is valued very highly. Since his permanent move for €75 million in 2025, Osimhen’s market value has continued to rise along with his consistency in front of goal.

His numbers are lethal in both domestic and European competition. He scored 22 goals in 33 appearances in the 2025-2026 season, and has totalled 59 goals in 74 matches for the Turkish giants. That price forces United to think carefully in order to avoid sanctions under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), while also looking for cheaper alternatives.

This financial challenge means United’s transfer business must be tactical and measured. If spending is not balanced by player sales, the dream of landing the Nigerian star could end in points deductions that would damage the club’s ambitions.

Four Manchester United striker alternatives

If the chase for Victor Osimhen stalls because of budget problems, Manchester United already have four alternative names on their list. The profiles have been chosen carefully to fit the team’s tactical needs without triggering the kind of panic-buying that has hurt clubs in the past.

The first name on the list is Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker at Crystal Palace offers real physical presence and already knows the rhythm of Premier League football. Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus is also on United’s radar, helped by his uncertain contract situation in Turin.

For a long-term investment, United are looking at Bournemouth wonderkid Eli Juneor Kroupi. For a short-term solution, veteran Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has surprisingly emerged as an option. According to talkSPORT, Lewandowski could be the perfect mentor for Benjamin Sesko thanks to his vast experience at the highest level in Europe.

United’s pre-season focus

The club’s hierarchy is expected to narrow down the shortlist in the coming weeks before opening formal talks with the player’s current club. Bringing in a new striker is crucial so the manager has enough time to work the signing into the team’s style during the pre-season tour. If the new arrival comes too late, tactical adjustment could be disrupted once the season begins.

For now, United’s main focus is preparing for their first pre-season friendly. The Red Devils are scheduled to face Wrexham on July 18. The outcome of this transfer chase will be closely watched by supporters eager to see fresh firepower on the pitch next season.