Julio Baptista has raised doubts over whether Victor Osimhen would thrive at Manchester United, as speculation grows around the Nigerian striker’s future ahead of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old forward, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is expected to leave the Serie A club permanently this summer.
But former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker Baptista has questioned whether a move to Old Trafford would suit Osimhen’s playing style under current United boss Ruben Amorim.
Baptista's message to Victor Osimhen
“He’s an incredible striker,” Baptista told Foot Italia. “33 games this year, 29 goals. He’s a very, very good player, but he needs to find a team that plays with his style.
“He needs to find a team playing a little closer to his approach. Sometimes this is a big problem. Sometimes players don’t think a lot about finding the perfect club for their abilities. For example, he’s been linked with Manchester United, but is he going to get the chances there? I have my doubts about that.”
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) April 22, 2025
United, currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table, are enduring a difficult campaign and face a must-win Europa League run if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
A European title would not only salvage their season but provide a crucial financial boost ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer window.
Goals have been hard to come by for the Red Devils this season, with just 38 scored in 33 league matches.
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled to deliver consistently, while Joshua Zirkzee is yet to prove himself as a reliable goal threat. As a result, United are exploring multiple attacking options, including Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap.
170 Career goals for Victor James Osimhen .
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) April 22, 2025
Photo credit: @LeaguesReporter pic.twitter.com/nnecfBzAdS
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Osimhen, however, is widely regarded as one of the most prolific forwards currently on the market. His impressive spell in Turkey – which has seen him net 21 goals in 25 league games – has further enhanced his reputation.
Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has backed his fellow Nigerian to take the next step in his career by moving to the Premier League.
“Yeah, I believe he has done so well so far for his age and he’s still doing well,” Ighalo said on the Abu Azeez Podcast. “I believe he should go to the Premier League, but you know he’s young. He has his agent, he has his advisor, and I believe they can advise him on what to do.
“If I were to advise him, I’d say the Premier League, because that is the big stage – the biggest league in the world. That’s where I believe he’s going to make an even bigger name for himself that he can carry throughout his career, even after football.
“For me, I’ll just advise him to go to the Premier League, but he knows best. Everybody can say whatever they want, but the player who is playing and doing the job knows what is in his heart and head. So whatever decision he makes, I’m 101% in support of him.”
Victor Osimhen (26) has now hit the 30 goal mark for Galatasaray this season!
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 22, 2025
Dries Mertens with the assist. pic.twitter.com/UNS6butxrq
Osimhen added to his growing tally on Tuesday night by scoring the opener in Galatasaray’s 5-1 demolition of Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup semi-final.
The win keeps the Turkish giants on track for a potential domestic double, with the club currently five points clear at the top of the Super Lig table ahead of José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
