Frank Christian
Manchester United is reportedly considering a significant move for Victor Osimhen, the talented forward from Napoli. To facilitate this transfer, the club may propose a player-plus-cash deal involving the underperforming Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s Brief Tenure at United
Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United six months ago, transferring from Bologna for £37 million.
At 23, Zirkzee was seen as a promising player, but he has not made the desired impact at Old Trafford, netting only one goal in 17 matches, falling short of expectations.
New manager Ruben Amorim seems doubtful about Zirkzee’s ability to spearhead the attack. His playing time has decreased, particularly under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has often placed him on the bench.
Current reports indicate Zirkzee may exit as soon as January, as United looks to offload him while bolstering their forward options.
Osimhen: Man Utd’s Main Target
Victor Osimhen has been identified as a top target for Manchester United to enhance their offensive lineup. The Nigerian striker has consistently performed well for Napoli and is a reliable goal-scorer.
However, acquiring him directly is complicated due to his hefty release clause of €75 million (£63 million).
To lessen the financial burden, United is working on a €30 million (£25 million) cash offer, alongside Zirkzee as part of the trade. This proposal could interest Napoli, who may find Zirkzee a beneficial addition to their team.
Obstacles Ahead
Despite United’s intentions, there are challenges to navigate. Osimhen’s potential salary of €11 million (£9 million) annually could put stress on the club’s finances.
Furthermore, Napoli must be convinced that Zirkzee is a fit for their plans and worthy of consideration in this exchange.
Additionally, Zirkzee has attracted attention from Juventus, where his former coach, Thiago Motta, sees him as a possible backup. This interest from Juventus may complicate United’s aims in securing Zirkzee for the Osimhen transfer.
Joshua Zirkzee: A Broader Perspective
The January transfer window is a chance for Manchester United to revamp their attacking options. Even though Zirkzee’s stint at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, using him in a swap deal could prove to be a strategic move.
With Amorim aiming to develop a competitive squad, the pursuit of Osimhen underscores the club’s desire to invest in established talent. It remains to be seen if this ambitious strategy will bear fruit.
