By Olaitan Ibrahim
Manchester United have cooled their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with new manager Ruben Amorim reportedly favouring Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface as the Red Devils look to bolster their attacking options.
The Premier League giants, who have managed just 17 goals in 12 league matches this season, had shown interest in Osimhen in recent weeks. However, following Amorim’s appointment, the club’s transfer strategy has shifted towards targets better suited to the Portuguese manager’s tactical approach.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in impressive form, netting nine goals and providing five assists in 12 appearances. Despite this, the Turkish club are unlikely to trigger his €75m release clause, which becomes active in January, according to Il Mattino.
The Nigeria international’s future at Napoli remains uncertain, with the Italian champions likely to wait until next summer to resolve his situation. His substantial wages have proven to be a stumbling block for potential suitors, including Premier League clubs.
The former Union Saint-Gilloise forward, currently sidelined with a thigh injury sustained on international duty, has attracted interest from several European clubs. However, Leverkusen are moving to secure his long-term future, with negotiations underway for an improved contract until 2029.
Sky Germany reports that the proposed deal would see Boniface, who currently earns €3m annually, become one of the club’s highest-paid players. The Nigerian striker’s performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award last campaign.
United’s striker shortlist also includes Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, who previously worked under Amorim. The Swedish international has been prolific since moving to Portugal, scoring 67 goals and providing 19 assists in 70 games.
Any move for either Boniface or Gyökeres would require significant investment, with both players valued around €70-75m. United’s financial constraints following their summer spending could see them delay their striker pursuit until the end of the season.