Manchester United’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen is starting to look like a case of champagne taste on a beer budget, with transfer expert Ben Jacobs suggesting that a move for the Nigerian striker may be out of reach for the struggling club.
United, currently stuck in 14th place and still recovering from their early-season managerial shake-up, are desperate for firepower up front. Neither Joshua Zirkzee nor Rasmus Hojlund has been able to consistently hit the target, leading to growing speculation about a marquee striker signing. And who better than Osimhen, a goal machine currently tearing up the Turkish league with Galatasaray?
But here’s the problem—money. And not just a little bit of it.
“It could become irrelevant whether Osimhen is open to Manchester United if Manchester United can’t afford that deal,” Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT, effectively reminding United fans that wanting something and being able to pay for it are two very different things.
Financially, things are looking bleak for the Red Devils. Between Profitability and Sustainability Regulations, a probable lack of European football next season, and dwindling broadcast revenues, United’s bank account is looking less like an elite club’s war chest and more like loose change in a couch.
To make matters more complicated, Napoli still hold Osimhen’s contract until 2026 (with an option to extend to 2027), meaning any deal won’t come cheap. There’s even talk of a swap deal involving Hojlund, which, given the Dane’s struggles in front of goal, may feel like trading a leaky tap for a burst pipe.
Osimhen’s summer transfer saga was already a rollercoaster, with failed moves to Chelsea and Saudi clubs leading him to sign a new contract before being loaned out to Galatasaray. Now, with 22 goals in 27 appearances, he’s proving that his stock is only rising.
For United, landing Osimhen would be a massive statement—but unless they find a way to balance the books, it might remain just that: a statement, not a signing. Until then, the club may need to explore cheaper alternatives or, at the very least, start passing around a donation box at Old Trafford.
