Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen is reportedly emerging as a serious alternative target for Manchester United should their primary pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres fall through.
The Swedish striker Gyokeres` relationship with Sporting Lisbon appears to have completely deteriorated. This follows the Portuguese club`s attempt to significantly increase his asking price, despite an earlier understanding that he could depart for £59 million.
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While manager Ruben Amorim is keen to reunite with the former Brighton and Coventry striker, who netted 57 goals in 57 appearances under him at Estadio Alvalade, United are also aware of Osimhen`s availability.
The Nigerian, 26, spent last season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, where he was deemed surplus to requirements by Antonio Conte.
Osimhen scored 32 goals in 37 matches for the Istanbul side, who are eager for him to remain. However, Saudi Arabian clubs, including Al-Hilal, have also entered a bidding war for his signature.
As of now, no agreement has been finalised, and Osimhen appears open to exploring all potential destinations, including a possible transfer to the Premier League.
Nevertheless, the striker`s contract at Galatasaray is understood to be around £300,000 per week after tax. This figure could translate to approximately £500,000 weekly in the UK – a salary Manchester United is reportedly unable to afford.
Despite the wage hurdle, a move for Osimhen has not been entirely ruled out amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Gyokeres deal. Regardless of which striker arrives – following the recent £62 million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves – significant player sales will be necessary.
Players on the Radar?
Speaking of potential departures, it seems United may manage to generate considerable funds from players who were not expected to feature prominently under Amorim.
Data analysts at the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory recently published their updated list of the world`s 100 most valuable players.
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Topping the list, which includes Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham in the top three, is Barcelona`s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, valued at an incredible £343 million.
Premier League clubs dominate the rankings, with 42 of the top 100 players plying their trade in England.
However, in a concerning reflection of the issues at Old Trafford over the last decade, the only two United players featured on the list are Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, neither of whom were necessarily considered untouchable.
Danish international Hojlund is placed 52nd, with an estimated value of £68 million.
Given his struggles since his £72 million transfer from Atalanta, United`s finance department would likely welcome any offer close to that figure, although the club still needs to recoup £38 million to break even on the remaining amortisation costs from his five-year contract.
Garnacho is ranked 85th and valued at £54 million – a sum that would represent `pure profit` under Profitability and Sustainability Rules if a transfer were to occur.
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Share Price Recovery
Some rare positive news for Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding United off the field – the club`s share price has seen a recovery.
United shares had fallen to below £10 each immediately after the Europa League Final defeat, marking a 60 per cent drop from the £26 per share Ratcliffe paid for his total £1.487 billion investment last year.
This decline reflected the market`s reaction to the estimated £100 million shortfall in income for the upcoming season following United`s worst campaign since their relegation in 1974.
Consequently, the club`s market capitalisation plummeted from the £4.54 billion implied by Ratcliffe`s purchase price to just £1.72 billion.
However, the past month has brought a change in fortunes, with the share price on the New York Stock Exchange briefly reaching a 2025 high of £14.51 each on Monday.
By the close of business on Wednesday, the price had slightly decreased, but the club`s total value had recovered to just under £2.5 billion.
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Sir Jim will undoubtedly be hoping for a similar improvement on the pitch next term.
The Glazer Debt Burden
The legacy debt from the Glazer ownership continues to significantly impact operations at Old Trafford, as highlighted in the latest Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance.
According to the recent figures, while United`s net debt of £482 million is considerably less than the £793 million owed by Tottenham after the construction of their new stadium, it costs Ratcliffe and Ineos significantly more to service.
United`s debt repayments amounted to £61 million per year in 2023-24, in contrast to the £47 million cost for meeting Tottenham`s repayment schedule.
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Deloitte also reported that United`s wage bill during the last full season under Erik ten Hag was £365 million, trailing only Manchester City and Liverpool. This figure represented 55 per cent of their £662 million revenues.
Furthermore, the financial cost of past transfer errors is substantial, with United incurring £186 million in “amortisation costs” – the accounting expense reflecting the spreading of player transfer fees over the length of their contracts. Ineos also made an additional cash injection of £159 million.
Behind the Scenes
Attempting to present a positive narrative for Manchester United is challenging, especially after a difficult season like the last one.
Perhaps it`s unsurprising, then, that the Red Devils are currently advertising for two roles within their in-house media department at Old Trafford.
They are seeking a director of communications and a media director as preparations begin for the 2025/26 season.
Ugarte`s Kit Slip-Up
Manuel Ugarte might face a reprimand upon his return to Carrington for pre-season training next month.
The Uruguayan midfielder prematurely revealed United`s new home kit on his social media pages a few hours earlier than scheduled.
This might have been due to the time difference while he was on holiday in South America, but numerous observant United fans quickly noticed the mistake.
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Rashford`s Pre-Season Prep
Marcus Rashford is clearly eager to demonstrate to his potential suitors that he is regaining full fitness following the injury that affected his final weeks at Aston Villa.
The English forward posted videos earlier this week showing himself undergoing warm-weather training.
He also shared footage of himself playing padel, which drew playful comments from former teammates Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
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Rashford understands that a return to Old Trafford is improbable, so time is of the essence for him to find a new club.
Pre-season training at Carrington is just over three weeks away, and Rashford will likely prefer to secure a move before then to avoid an awkward start to the summer.
