Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their second goal
Napoli striker and reported transfer target Victor Osimhen is reportedly ‘too expensive’ for Manchester United.
The Lowdown: Ronaldo replacement?
Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported back in November that Osimhen was one of the ‘top candidates’ to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who went on to join Saudi side Al Nassar.
However, it was said that Napoli would want not want to let him go in January, and his price may be a stumbling block.
The Latest: Too expensive
Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg has now given an update on Osimhen, saying that he is ‘still on the list’ of United, but he is ‘no longer’ the top transfer target, as he has been deemed ‘too expensive’ at €100m (£88m):
“News #Osimhen: He is still on the list of #MUFC but no longer the top transfer target in summer. Biggest problem: Too expensive! Neapel wants more than €100m. Been told: Man Utd board is not willing to pay that price and is therefore looking for cheaper solutions.”
The Verdict: Worth the money?
Of course, £88m is a lot to pay for a player in today’s market, but 24-year-old Osimhen may just be worth it.
The Nigeria international is currently the top scorer in the Serie A with 13 goals so far this season, and has played a big part in Napoli being 12 points clear at the top of the table.
He has been a consistent scorer throughout his career, netting double figures for goals in each of his last five league seasons at various clubs, prompting journalist Zach Lowy to label him as an ‘absolutely phenomenal‘ centre forward.
With Wout Weghorst only on loan from Burnley for the season, the Red Devils will have a Ronaldo-shaped void to fill in the summer, and Osimhen has all the credentials to become one of the best strikers of his generation, if he is not already.
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