Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly refused to break the club’s summer transfer fee following an invitation to sign Victor Osimhen.
The new Red Devils manager is putting his master plan into action after being tasked with resurrecting the club’s fortunes. Theyb worked at home for a sixth-place finish last season – and it was clear to all that major surgery on the team was needed. To that end, Ten Hag was allowed to spend £216m over the summer.
That comfortably makes Ten Hag the biggest-spending United manager in a single transfer window.
However, that figure could have been much higher had he continued his original interest in Osimhen.
The United boss and his recruitment team were on the hunt for a new centre-forward should Cristiano Ronaldo leave. The Portuguese superstar was agitating for an exit following the club’s failure to secure a Champions League place.
In the end, this decision did not materialize despite a series of high-profile links.
But in case he leaves, United have apparently sounded out Osimhen for a move.
The Nigerian striker has an excellent record in front of goal, scoring 68 goals in 158 appearances.
As such, he was the name seemingly at the top of their wanted list as their search for a new attacker gathered pace. At one point there were even suggestions that Napoli and Manchester United could orchestrate a swap for Ronaldo and Osimhen.
But while that move was never a realistic scenario, the prospect of Napoli selling Osimhen was.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli have told United they are ready to sell the striker this summer, after putting a high price on the player’s head.
Man Utd refused the transfer of Victor Osimhen
Ultimately, however, it was a deal the Red Devils had to turn down. Ten Hag, as time went on, was starting to make progress in his push to sign Antony from Ajax.
And deals for both players were ultimately deemed too expensive for United, with Ten Hag favoring the Brazilian.
Romano, however, explained how close the transfer was Caught offside.
“I’ve seen a lot of rumors about Napoli striker Victor Osimhen – a very good striker, a very important player.
“I understand the only chance to sign him was towards the end of the summer. However, they decided to make Antony their priority.
“At present, Naples have absolutely no intention of selling Osimhen in January.
“They’re having an amazing season and Osimhen is a big part of that. They always said it would take over €100m, so it won’t be easy in January to tempt Napoli for a sale.
Further reports have since stated that Napoli were in fact looking for £116m (€130m) for Osimhen over the summer. This would have set United back some distance from the club record.
United set to prioritize further transfers in January
Ten Hag will likely receive more money to spend in January as he tries to build on his promising start at Old Trafford. However, the club are extremely unlikely to make a successful move to Osimhem.
To that end, reports suggest he will have a more modest amount to spend with two potential recruits his “chosen”.
Further down the line, Ten Hag will have to sort out his goalkeeping situation. David De Gea’s contract expires in June and it is increasingly believed that his time is coming to an end.
Ten Hag wants to sign a goalkeeper more suited to his style. As such, he would be looking for a very capable stopper with the ball at his feet. As such, it is not surprising to see links develop with Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
Ultimately, Ten Hag might also need a new striker should Ronaldo walk away. Replacing his goals won’t be easy. However, there are signs so far this season that he is trying to ‘wean’ his team by relying too much on the Portuguese veteran.
The likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho started the season well – and came back in goal.
Moreover, Antony has also been on the scoresheet in his only appearance so far.
As such, there are suggestions that Ten Hag is trying to recreate the fluid front-three system that has served Liverpool so well in recent years.
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