The transfer saga surrounding Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has taken a new turn, with Napoli planning to increase their asking price for the striker if a deal is not struck by mid-July. This development could make it more challenging for Liverpool and Manchester United to sign Osimhen, as both clubs are in the market for a striker this summer.
Osimhen’s release clause in his Napoli contract is set to expire on July 15, and after this date, Napoli will have the freedom to set any price tag for the striker. Currently, his release clause stands at €75 million. The 26-year-old has been linked with several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Galatasaray, but only Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has submitted concrete offers, all of which Osimhen declined.
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Liverpool have been active in the transfer market this summer, signing Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez. They are also keen on bringing in Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds might consider Osimhen as a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who could join Napoli.
Manchester United have been searching for a striker to lead their attack under Ruben Amorim. They’ve already signed Mattheus Cunha and are close to sealing a move for Bryan Mbeumo. Osimhen’s price tag and wage demands might fit into their plans, but they’ll need to make sales before July 15 to fund their transfer business.
Victor Osimhen ( photo credit: Getty Images)
Galatasaray, Osimhen’s current loan club, are also interested in signing him permanently. They’ve already made a statement by signing Leroy Sane on a free transfer and are willing to pay Osimhen well.
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Both Liverpool and Manchester United are racing against time to sign Osimhen. If they don’t move decisively in the coming weeks, they risk either missing out on Osimhen altogether or having to pay an inflated fee for the Nigerian international. This could impact their chances of building a strong squad for the upcoming season.
