In a stunning turn of events, sources close to Manchester United have revealed that the Premier League giants are mulling over a shock swap deal with Italian side Napoli. The proposed trade would see United’s misfiring Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee heading to Naples, with prolific Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen coming the other way to Old Trafford.
United’s Desperate Search for Goals
Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal have been well-documented this season. Despite splashing out €42.5 million to sign Zirkzee from Bologna in the summer, the 23-year-old has managed a paltry return of just one goal and two assists in 17 appearances for the Red Devils.
With new manager Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford, it appears the Portuguese tactician is already looking to overhaul United’s misfiring attack. Insiders suggest that Amorim has identified Osimhen as the ideal candidate to lead the line and fire United back into title contention.
Osimhen’s Rise to Stardom
Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Victor Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s most feared strikers. The 25-year-old Nigerian international has been in scintillating form during his loan spell at Galatasaray this season, netting nine goals in just 10 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Osimhen’s explosive pace, clinical finishing, and tireless work rate have made him a nightmare for defenders across the continent. It’s no surprise that United are reportedly willing to activate the €75 million release clause in his Napoli contract to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams.
Zirkzee’s Italian Job
While Zirkzee’s time at United has been underwhelming, sources suggest that Napoli are keen to bring the young Dutchman to Serie A. The 23-year-old’s technical ability and link-up play could be better suited to the slower pace of the Italian game, where he previously impressed during a loan spell at Parma in 2021.
Insiders claim that United are prepared to offer Zirkzee plus a cash sum of around €30 million to tempt Napoli into parting with their prized asset. Whether the Partenopei will be willing to accept such an offer remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Osimhen’s arrival would send shockwaves through the Premier League.
A New Era at Old Trafford?
If Manchester United can pull off this audacious swap deal, it would mark a statement of intent from new boss Ruben Amorim. The former Sporting CP coach is renowned for his attacking brand of football, and Osimhen’s pace and power would seem the perfect fit for his high-octane style.
“Victor is an incredible talent,” a source close to the United hierarchy revealed. “He’s exactly the kind of player Ruben wants to build his team around. If we can get this deal over the line, it could be a game-changer for us.”
Of course, prising Osimhen away from Napoli will be no easy task. The Serie A side have been notoriously tough negotiators in the past, as United discovered when they tried to sign center-back Kalidou Koulibaly in 2020.
However, with Osimhen reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, and United desperate to add some firepower to their toothless attack, a deal could well be struck in the coming weeks. One thing’s for sure: if Victor Osimhen does swap the blue of Napoli for the red of Manchester United, the Premier League won’t know what’s hit it.
