Krishnan Sreekumar
Transfer News: Manchester United pick Napoli ace Victor Osimhen as the man to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
According to Rai Sport journalist Ciro Venerato (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United have identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the main man who could replace Cristiano Ronaldo up front in the summer.
Ronaldo moved back to United in a sensational transfer the previous summer, as the Portugal skipper returned to the club where he made his name after spending 3 years in Italy with Juventus.
Despite hitting the ground running this season by scoring a brace on his second debut with the club, Ronaldo has not hit the usual heights expected from him since, hardly scoring in the Red Devils’ past few games.
The ex-Real Madrid star has looked frustrated and low on confidence over the past few weeks, which could concern many fans. Even against relegation-threatened Watford on the weekend, Ronaldo could only manage to hit the post as his side fell to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.
Blockbuster summer transfer
At 37, his age may be a factor as to why the Portuguese striker has slowed down. Physically, the forward is still at his best and has started nearly all of United’s games this season. On the pitch, however, the Ballon D’or winner is struggling to find the back of the net, which is usually something he has rarely ever had a problem with.
United’s interest in Osimhen is well-founded for this reason, but the Manchester club will need to cough up a whopping £84m if they are to convince Napoli to part with their Nigerian striker.
The Serie A club is quoting a jaw-dropping price for a player who is only 22-years-old, and it remains to be seen if this amount will affect United’s pursuit of the striker. However, their need for a striker is evident given their current lack of goals up front, and the Nigerian may be the one to solve this problem for them next term.
Currently, the Manchester side is relying on Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to supply the goals for them. Both these stars are over 35 years old, and for a Premier League giant such as United, they will need more depth and quality in the side to compete with the rest of the teams.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United looking to keep forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial beyond the summer
- Juventus earmark Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as their primary target for the summer transfer window
- Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has doubts regarding forward Cristiano Ronaldo
So far, there is nothing to indicate that Ronaldo will depart the club in the summer. Cavani however, could exit at the end of the season when his current deal with Man United runs out. If so, then we will be left with only Ronaldo as our lone striker in the squad, and he too is not in hot form at the moment.
Osimhen has had heads turning for him in Italy with his performances for Napoli this season, and it could very well earn him a move to England to play for United. Anthony Martial’s loan to Sevilla shows where he is in the pecking order at Man United, and Osimhen would arguably be a useful addition if the club is planning for life without Martial as their regular starter.
