Ever since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, who burned his bridges before leaving Old Trafford, the Red Devils were immediately in the hunt for a quality centre forward. Although numerous players were linked, they turned to a loan deal for Wout Weghorst.
The 30-year-old had been enjoying a productive spell on loan at Besiktas in Turkey, scoring 9 goals in 18 appearances, having left relegated Burnley to continue playing top flight football. But when United boss Erik ten Hag came calling, this was an opportunity he couldn’t resist.
Weghorst is hoping to earn himself a permanent switch, although in all likelihood, United will now be biding their time, focusing on potential bids for high profile targets at the end of the 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, they will continue to be linked with various attacking players.
Although the January transfer window has now closed, punters around the world remain keen on speculating about future moves. The rumour mill never ceases grinding away, as gossip columnists now turn attention towards possible summer trades.
And for those who enjoy backing potential deals, the best betting sites now provide wagering markets dedicated to football transfers. But ahead of placing bets, getting feedback and reviews from experts is always recommended, especially when scouting out all the options.
This is precisely what Manchester United are now doing, as they prepare to splash the cash next summer, aiming to bring in a genuinely world class number nine. Right now, there are two great strikers who apparently top the shopping list.
Victor Osimhen – Napoli
Considered to be one of the hottest strikers in Europe right now, Victor Osimhen is currently top of the Serie A scoring charts in Italy, enjoying a magnificent campaign as Napoli chase the title. Thanks to stellar displays and plenty of goals, his value has rocketed upwards.
Osimhen has netted 14 goals in 16 appearances for Napoli this term, attracting much more than just passing interest at Manchester United, who are reportedly tracking his progress. After his recent goal against Roma, their manager Jose Mourinho had plenty to say.
In fact, Jose Mourinho has compared the Nigerian to Didier Drogba, the retired Ivory Coast international who excelled at Chelsea. However, that glowing praise was accompanied by some important advice for Osimhen.
“He is of the same level as Drogba, but Didier didn’t dive. If Victor changes, then OK. I’d buy him if I was a club with a lot of money,” said Mourinho. “He’s a fantastic player, but he mustn’t dive,” he insisted, aware that Osimhen could be starring in the Premier League soon.
But if Manchester United are indeed serious about pursuing their interest, any move for Osimhen won’t come cheap. Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has already issued a hands-off warning, stating that anyone interested would need to pay in excess of €100 million.
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
The 29-year-old striker certainly needs no introductions for Premier League fans, given that Harry Kane has consistently delivered goals, winning the Golden Boot award on three occasions with Tottenham Hotspur.
For many decades, legendary Bobby Charlton topped the all-time scoring charts for England, before another Manchester United icon surpassed that record, as Wayne Rooney scored 53. That benchmark has now been matched by Kane, who also captains the Three Lions.
Currently on 18 goals from 29 appearances in all competitions, Kane is well on the way to surpassing the 20 milestone for the ninth season running, which makes him precisely what the Red Devils are looking for.
Nevertheless, if United are serious about signing Harry Kane in the summer, they would have to break their own rules for wages. Erik ten Hag wants parity and harmony in the dressing room, and his preference is that no incoming player should earn more than £200,000 per week.
And just as importantly, Tottenham Hotspur have no intentions of selling, although they may have no alternative if Kane forces the issue, heading into the final year of his contract. Furthermore, he is reportedly keen on joining Manchester United, willing to force the issue of need be.
The Verdict – Money Matters
Providing they are willing to smash the new salary cap, Manchester United would be looking at a total spend estimated at £300 million, were they to sign Kane on a five-year deal. Bearing in mind the club is up for sale, that sum of money could be prohibitive.
Napoli would require a bigger fee to sell Osimhen, but he could be more willing to fit within the Old Trafford wage structure, and that could give the Nigerian a big advantage when United make their final decision who to sign.
