Man United suffer Victor Osimhen blow as striker expresses love for Napoli: report

Manchester United rumoured transfer target Victor Osimhen of Napoli looks on from the bench during the Serie A match between Napoli and Hellas Verona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 15, 2023 in Naples, Italy.
(Image credit: Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Manchester United's chances of signing Victor Osimhen this summer may have taken a hit, after the Napoli striker declared his love for the Serie A leaders.

Osimhen, 24, has been in prolific form for Luciano Spalletti's Partenopei this season, banging in 25 goals to help them to the cusp of a first scudetto since 1990 and into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time ever.

The Nigerian international's scoring exploits have sparked plenty of speculation about his future, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea also said to be interested.

Victor Osimhen of Napoli celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Serie A match between Torino and Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on March 19, 2023 in Turin, Italy.

Osimhen is the top scorer in Serie A this term with 21 goals (Image credit: sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Has Osimhen hinted that he wants to stay at Napoli, though? Speaking to Italian TV after returning from injury in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Hellas Verona, he said:

"It was tough for me to make my dream come true of becoming a professional football player and now [I am] about to win [a trophy] for the first time. I’m at a great club and my career is growing constantly. I am already at one of the biggest clubs and I could not ask for more. Forza Napoli always!"

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria sings the Nigerian national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on March 29, 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Osimhen has scored 15 goals in 24 caps for Nigeria (Image credit: Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images)

Osimhen went on to describe his appreciation for the Napoli supporters – who, barring a cataclysmic end to the campaign, will soon see their team crowned champions of Italy for the third time. He added:

"The affection from the city is extraordinary, I have never received so much love. I can’t wait to celebrate with [the fans] at the stadium."

Having started out with Wolfsburg, Osimhen signed for Belgian outfit Charlleroi in 2018 – before joining Lille the following year.

After just one season in France, he was on the move again, with Napoli pouncing to secure his services for a club-record €70m (£62.5m).

Transfermarkt currently value Osimhen at €100m (£89.3m); such a fee would make him Man United's second-most expensive signing of all time.

More Manchester United stories

Man United could face competition from Liverpool in the race to sign Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich this summer – but former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has been linked with a shock switch to United, after falling out with Bayern teammate Leroy Sane following Tuesday's Champions League loss to Manchester City.

However, Marcel Sabitzer – currently on loan at United from Bayern – has prompted rumours that he could move to Old Trafford on a permanent basis, saying that he has 'found his place' with Erik ten Hag's side. Joao Felix has also emerged as a target for United, with Chelsea thought to be hesitant to make loan spell from Atletico Madrid permanent.

Meanwhile, American investment firm Carlyle are reportedly interested in buying a minority stake in United.

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...