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Victor Osimhen is reportedly willing to accept a weekly wage of just under £200,000 at Manchester United, contrary to claims that he is demanding £300,000 per week, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
This clarification comes amid speculation that INEOS is hesitant to meet the Nigerian striker’s alleged wage demands while aiming to reduce United’s inflated wage bill.
Romano informed Givemesport that the reports suggesting Osimhen is asking for around £300,000 per week are “wide of the mark,” emphasizing that the Napoli striker simply wants his current salary (approximately €12 million net, or £10.2 million per season) to be honored, without any changes from what he received a year ago.
These adjusted wage expectations could facilitate a transfer for the 26-year-old, especially since Mason Mount earns £250,000 per week at Old Trafford.
Osimhen’s future remains uncertain as he prepares to leave Napoli following a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 matches across all competitions.
The Nigerian international has been at the center of intense transfer rumors, with reports indicating that Napoli would prefer to see him join Liverpool in a potential swap deal involving Darwin Núñez. However, Osimhen is said to be leaning towards a move to Juventus, whose project is more appealing to him than other current options.
Recently, the striker turned down a lucrative £30 million-a-year offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, opting instead to continue his career in European football. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand suggested that Osimhen’s rejection of the Saudi offer might indicate he is waiting for a call from Old Trafford. “It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United. I don’t know if Manchester United are going to come. That’s the problem,” Ferdinand stated on his YouTube channel.
United are actively searching for a natural center-forward to resolve their attacking issues, especially given Rasmus Højlund's inconsistent performance last season and Joshua Zirkzee's tendency to thrive in a deeper role rather than as a traditional number nine.
The Red Devils face stiff competition from several European clubs for Osimhen’s signature. Liverpool is reportedly in discussions with Napoli regarding a potential swap arrangement, while Juventus has intensified its pursuit despite challenges, including Osimhen’s €75 million release clause.
Turkish champions Galatasaray are also hopeful about securing a permanent deal for the striker, who played a key role in helping them win both the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup last season.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli expires next summer and includes a release clause of €75 million, though this option is reportedly only valid for foreign clubs, meaning that Italian rivals would need to negotiate directly with the Serie A champions.
Since joining Napoli in 2020, the striker has recorded 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 matches, culminating in a Serie A title victory in the 2022/23 season.
