Victor Osimhen has reportedly decided to join Galatasaray, putting an end to speculation linking him with Liverpool and Manchester United. With the rumours settled, both Premier League clubs have now shifted their attention to pursuing two alternative targets each.
According to a fresh report posted by Fotomac on X, it claims the Napoli forward is keen to remain at Galatasaray. Insiders have informed Softfootball that Osimhen has already communicated his desire to extend his stay with the Turkish champions after accepting a lucrative offer reportedly worth €16 million per year.
The Nigerian striker has established himself as one of the best centre forwards in world football, scoring an impressive 76 goals in 133 games at parent club Napoli. But after a falling out with coach Antonio Conte, who decided to put his faith in Romelu Lukaku, Osimhen was shipped off to Turkey where he spent a year on loan with Galatasaray.
And it was in the Super Lig where the 26-year-old enjoyed his best season yet, blasting in an impressive 37 goals in 41 games for Okan Buruk’s side as they picked up the Turkish league crown for the third successive season.
As a result, speculation has risen over where the 40-times capped striker will play next and, amid strong links to both Manchester United and Liverpool, a report last week revealed the striker had narrowed his shortlist down to four potential destinations.
As far as Liverpool were concerned, transfer insider Rudy Galetti had revealed the Premier League champions had discussed a possible deal for Osimhen as part of Napoli’s enquiries for both Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa.
But with a complicated triple three-way exchange loosely discussed, but without an agreement reached, it was left instead for Napoli to try and thrash out terms for Nunez as a solitary transfer arrangement, and with all parties happy to sanction that move. Talks over that deal remain ongoing..
As for United, Galetti also revealed on June 14 that United were ‘far behind’ in the transfer race, revealing Ruben Amorim’s side were prioritising other targets, like Bryan Mbeumo instead, and having felt the Nigerian’s wage demands were simply too big a bridge to cross.
In an earlier update, Softfootball reported that Manchester United battles Sporting in a surprise move to sign Luis Suarez.
Manchester United are in the market for a new striker this summer, and are reportedly interested in Sporting CP target Luis Suarez, the Colombian striker who enjoyed a standout season with Almeria.
Suarez has attracted the attention of several major European clubs following an impressive 2024/25 campaign. The Colombian scored 27 goals in 41 Segunda Division games last season, taking his Almeria tally to 37 goals in 76 league appearances.
