Sports News of Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Source: www.punchng.com

Osimhen still on Man United radar

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen remains a transfer target for Manchester United as the former Premier League champions continue their search for a new centre-forward this summer.

Although Galatasaray are reluctant to part with the Nigeria international and have reportedly placed a €150m valuation on him, Osimhen remains on United’s radar after several of their alternative targets became unavailable.

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are planning to make three more signings before the transfer window closes, with a striker high on their priority list.

The Red Devils have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson. Santos and Tielemans are expected to bolster the midfield, Darlow will provide cover for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens, while 18-year-old winger Thompson is viewed as a long-term attacking prospect.

According to The Athletic, United are also assessing their options up front, with Benjamin Sesko still working his way back to full fitness after a shin injury that ruled him out of the club’s pre-season trip to Finland.

Joshua Zirkzee is currently Sesko’s deputy, but the Dutch forward is reportedly expected to return to Italy after struggling to establish himself at Old Trafford.

CaughtOffside reported on May 30 that Osimhen is United’s “dream” signing to provide manager Michael Carrick with an elite No. 9. However, the Nigerian’s reported €150m (£128m) valuation remains a major obstacle.

United had also been linked with Robert Lewandowski, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eli Junior Kroupi and Dusan Vlahovic, but Lewandowski is no longer an option after joining MLS side Chicago Fire.

On June 26, journalist Ben Jacobs reported that INEOS are also considering experienced forwards Danny Welbeck and Ivan Toney as potential additions to support Sesko.

After missing out on midfield targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, United turned their attention to Atalanta’s Ederson. However, the Brazilian reportedly failed a medical, prompting the club to pursue Santos and Tielemans instead.

United paid Chelsea £50m for Santos and activated Tielemans’ £35m release clause at Aston Villa, completing both signings for the same combined fee Tottenham Hotspur spent on Fernandes (£85m).

The Athletic also reported that United are prioritising the signing of a third central midfielder to complete their rebuild in the middle of the park. The club are seeking a combative midfielder capable of covering large distances.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott remains a player United admire, but the Cherries are unwilling to sell this summer despite the England youth international rejecting a new contract.

Roma midfielder Manu Koné has also emerged as a key target, with United having opened formal talks over a potential deal.

Alongside a new midfielder, United are also hoping to strengthen at striker and left-back before the close of the transfer window.