Manchester United can only afford Victor Osimhen if they sell Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford this summer.
The Nigerian international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several months, but now appears to be on his way to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal instead.
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Osimhen is demanding an annual salary of €12 million, which poses a major obstacle for Manchester United. The club has limited transfer funds after failing to qualify for European Cup play.
Red Devils must sell to buy
United have already secured a deal to sign Wolverhampton striker Matheus Cunha this summer, but will reportedly need to complete several player sales before they can go after a new attacking player.
Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund are among those expected to leave the club before the 2025/26 season. However, the club’s number one priority, Liam Delap, has already accepted an offer from Chelsea and will join Enzo Maresca’s team in June.
Osimhen as an alternative
With the Delap deal off the table, United have turned their attention to other targets, and Osimhen has emerged as a serious option as he nears a departure from Napoli.
The 26-year-old is close to a deal with Al-Hilal, but United are keen to secure his signature. Reports indicate that Hojlund has been offered to Napoli as part of a potential swap deal for Osimhen.
Fernandes or Rashford must be sold
However, according to Foot Mercato, United will not have the financial space to sign Osimhen unless they sell Fernandes and/or Rashford.
Both players have been heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford in recent weeks. Fernandes is seriously considering an offer from Saudi Arabia, while Rashford wants to join Barcelona.
A possible departure for Fernandes could thus pave the way for an Osimhen transfer.
Amorim on Fernandes’ meaning
Although Fernandes has had “productive” talks with Al-Hilal, manager Ruben Amorim is keen to keep the 30-year-old captain.
“You see it in the performances, the leadership and the passion he [Fernandes] shows on the pitch. It’s priceless, especially in periods like that,” Amorim said during United’s post-season tour of Asia.
“We saw that in the last game [against Aston Villa]. The team played without pressure and everyone wanted to have the ball.”
“Bruno is the one who always takes responsibility when needed – as a captain should. He is crucial to what we are trying to build here.”
