Manchester United’s search for a new striker could have suffered another setback after Bruno Fernandes remains at Old Trafford.
After Manchester United’s defeat in the Europa League final, Fernandes stated that he intended to stay at the club, but that he would understand if the club wanted to sell him to raise funds.
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Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal tried to sign the 30-year-old, and reportedly offered Fernandes a contract worth £700,000 a week, as they wanted a shooting star before the FIFA Club World Cup.
They were even willing to pay a transfer fee between £80 million and £100 million, which could have been a significant cash injection.
Attacking problems and missed goals
One area Manchester United wanted to strengthen was the attacking line, where both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen was one of the players linked to Old Trafford.
The Nigerian has scored 85 goals in the last three seasons, including 37 goals in 41 games last season on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray.
But now it seems that he is on his way to Al-Hilal.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote:
“EXCLUSIVE: Al Hilal have sent an official bid to Napoli for Victor Osimhen as a top target. The proposal is worth €65 million easily plus €5 million in bonuses, and now it’s up to Napoli. This follows the story from yesterday that Al Hilal has been in contact with Osimhen about salary and personal terms.”
Gyökeres still on
radar Another name that occupies United fans is Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, partly because he played under Amorim in Portugal.
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According to talkSPORT, it seems that the Swedish striker is open to a move to Manchester United, despite not qualifying for European football.
Ben Jacobs added:
“The Sporting striker is still an option for United, but any transfer will depend on player sales, and formal talks with Sporting are yet to start. But United manager Ruben Amorim would like to reunite with his former player and has kept in touch since he arrived at Old Trafford. Sporting want around £60 million (€70 million) for Gyökeres – a £25 million reduction from his £85 million release clause. Gyökeres has a verbal agreement with Sporting that allows him to leave for a lower sum after committing to stay for the 2024/25 season, where he scored 54 goals in just 52 games and won the Primeira Liga.”
Lost signings and ongoing search
Manchester United tried to sign young English striker Liam Delap, but he instead chose Chelsea in a deal worth £30 million.
But it seems that the club is still keen to bolster their attack, along with the signing of Matheus Cunha and the ongoing work to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
