The fact that Manchester United will look to add a new center-forward this summer is not particularly surprising, but the question now is who will be the player to spearhead the team’s attack for the foreseeable future.
According to the Manchester Evening News, manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly interested in signing a “world-class” number nine ahead of the upcoming campaign. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur and Victor Osimhen of Napoli have both been mentioned as possible top targets.
In the case of the latter player, the Nigerian striker has gained more recognition as a result of his exceptional play in helping the Serie A team win the Scudetto. He has scored 23 goals in only 29 league games this season and an additional five goals in just six Champions League appearances.
According to journalist Tom Colomosse, the 24-year-old is a player who is on the “same level” as Manchester City star Erling Haaland. He won’t be allowed to leave Naples without a fight, though, amid rumours that Luciano Spalletti’s team may demand as much as €150 million (£130 million) for the former Lille star.
Given that Ten Hag is reportedly going to have £100 million to work with this summer before player sales, such a high asking price would probably go over United’s budget, necessitating the need to look at alternative targets if an agreement on Osimhen’s value cannot be reached.
As things stand, it appears that the Red Devils may have already found a less expensive candidate for the position in Osimhen’s fellow countryman Gift Orban. Recent rumours in Belgium indicate that the Old Trafford team has been scouting the Gent starlet.
Do Man United need to acquire Gift Orban?
The talented 20-year-old, who has recently shown himself to be a real prolific and clinical presence, much like his fellow Nigerian, could very well be United’s answer to Osimhen.
Jacek Kulig, a talent scout, has praised Orban as “electric” and someone who is “born to score” because of the 19 goals he has scored in just 19 appearances for the Pro League team this season. Previously, Orban had scored 19 goals and recorded seven assists in just 24 games for the Norwegian team Stabaek.
The 5 foot 10 ace, who is undoubtedly a real talent, has already drawn comparisons to the Napoli ace due to his impressive start to life at the senior level. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs said earlier this year:
“And he is naturally being compared to Victor Osimhen because they are both Nigerian. Although he is slightly smaller than Osimhen, he is not afraid to move his body, is clinical, intelligent, and has good awareness.
Osmihen-Man-United-Orban-Premier-League-transfer
The young player is possibly following in the footsteps of his compatriot Osimhen after choosing to move to Belgium earlier this year. Osimhen previously enjoyed a stellar stint at Pro League side Charleroi, where he scored 20 goals in just 36 games.
The hope for those at United will be that young Orban could make a more direct route to England by joining up with Ten Hag this summer, having proven himself a real “phenomenon” – according to his manager, Hein Vanhaezebrouck. The 25-cap marksman has since gone on to flourish in both France and now Italy.
Osimhen’s departure from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is expected to require a colossal sum of money, making the Gent star far more appealing with a fee closer to €50m (£44m) as suggested by Vanhaezebrouck, while transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggested the asking price could be closer to €20m (£17m) last month.
In either case, United might find value in the budding superstar.
