Real Madrid Now Favorites to Sign Victor Osimhen After Manchester United Exit
Real Madrid has emerged as the front-runner in the pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, following Manchester United’s decision to withdraw from the race to sign the Nigerian international this summer. With United no longer in contention, the path appears clearer for the Spanish giants to secure the signature of one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Osimhen, 25, has consistently impressed with his performances in Serie A, particularly during Napoli’s title-winning 2022/23 campaign, where his goal-scoring prowess played a vital role. His combination of pace, power, and clinical finishing has made him a top target for several elite clubs across Europe. While Manchester United had shown strong interest in the past, the Premier League side has now decided to focus their resources elsewhere, leaving Real Madrid in pole position.
The decision from United reportedly stems from financial constraints and a shift in transfer strategy. With Napoli demanding a fee exceeding £100 million for their star forward, United’s hierarchy has deemed the deal too costly, especially considering the club’s broader needs across multiple positions. Instead of going all-in on a marquee striker, United plans to allocate funds more evenly to reinforce various areas of the squad, including midfield, defense, and goalkeeping.
Furthermore, the club is putting trust in the development of Rasmus Højlund, the young Danish striker signed last season. United believes Højlund can grow into a top-tier forward with the right support and game time, reducing the urgency to bring in another big-name attacker like Osimhen.
With Manchester United stepping aside, Real Madrid now looks like the most likely destination for Osimhen. The La Liga giants are known to be in search of a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, who left the club in 2023
Although Brazilian talent Endrick is set to join the squad in 2024, Madrid is believed to be keen on adding another experienced forward who can make an immediate impact.
Real Madrid has the financial muscle and the appeal of Champions League contention to lure a player of Osimhen’s caliber. The Nigerian is reportedly open to a move to Spain and would likely be a strong fit in Carlo Ancelotti’s system. With other top clubs either unwilling or unable to meet Napoli’s asking price, Madrid could be poised to make a decisive move in the coming weeks.
In summary, with Manchester United backing out, Real Madrid now stands as the frontrunner in the race to sign Victor Osimhen, positioning themselves for a major summer acquisition that could reshape their attacking lineup.
