Victor Osimhen transfer: Key reason Man United have pulled away from Super Eagles star

Despite not participating at the 2026 World Cup, Victor Osimhen remains a dominant name in the European transfer circles after another outstanding season with Turkish champions Galatasaray, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles striker completed his permanent move to the Istanbul club last summer after a brilliant loan spell in which he inspired them to a domestic league and cup double. He followed that success by helping Galatasaray defend the Turkish Super Lig title this season, once again proving why he is named among the deadliest strikers on the planet.

His performances have naturally attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs. Chelsea remain one of the most serious contenders for his signature, with reports claiming talks have continued over a possible deal worth between £84 million and £110 million. Arsenal are also keeping a close watch on the Nigerian international, while Atletico Madrid see him as a possible replacement should Julian Alvarez leave Spain.

Barcelona have also been linked with the former Napoli striker, although the Catalan giants are reportedly focusing on other attacking targets before making any move for Osimhen. Another unnamed European heavyweight is believed to have explored the possibility of offering around €125 million, but Galatasaray immediately rejected the idea.

The Turkish champions have made it clear they are not interested in selling their biggest star. The club recently completed the payment of his €75 million transfer fee to Napoli ahead of schedule and rewarded the striker with a long-term contract that runs until June 2029.

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek reportedly sees Osimhen as the face of the club’s Champions League ambitions and is even considering handing him the captain’s armband. The club’s position is equally firm in the transfer market, with reports suggesting they would not even consider opening negotiations for offers below €150 million.

Why Manchester United will not sign Victor Osimhen

Although Manchester United were strongly linked with Victor Osimhen over the past two transfer windows, the chances of seeing him wear the famous red shirt now appear extremely slim.

United’s biggest problem is money. Signing Osimhen would not simply require paying Galatasaray’s enormous asking price. The Premier League club would also have to match the striker’s very high salary package, which has become even more expensive because of the favourable tax conditions available to top earners in Turkey.

That combination has made the overall cost of the transfer far higher than what United are currently prepared to spend.

The club’s recruitment team has been working under tighter financial restrictions as they continue rebuilding the squad. Instead of committing well over €150 million on a transfer fee and offering a massive wage package, United appear ready to focus on younger and more affordable attacking options.

Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall believes the opportunity to sign Osimhen has effectively passed. According to his assessment, the “ship has sailed” because the financial demands involved no longer fit Manchester United’s transfer strategy.

Even though United still need a proven goalscorer after inconsistent performances from their forwards, club officials are believed to have accepted that completing a deal for the Nigerian striker would stretch their budget too far.

That leaves Chelsea, Arsenal and possibly Atletico Madrid among the clubs that could still monitor developments if Galatasaray ever soften their position. However, with the Turkish champions determined to build their Champions League project around Osimhen and refusing to negotiate below €150 million, any transfer this summer remains extremely difficult.