Man United apparently agree to pay Osimhen's phenomenal wages so he can join next season

ENGLISH Premier League giants Manchester United have apparently agreed to the phenomenal wage demands of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen accepting to pay him £300,00 a week if he moves to Old Trafford next season.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Man United and Italian side Napoli have agreed a €60m deal for the services of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen that involves him signing a five year contract at Old Trafford. According to journalist Aygün Özipek reporting from Turkey, where Osimhen is currently playing on loan for Galatasary, although the striker has a release clause worth €75m in his contract, Napoli were open to offering a discount to Man United in a bid to prevent Italian rivals Juventus from landing him.

Italian football media outlet Tutto Juve, are now claiming that Man United have agreed to Osimhen’s demands while also agreeing to pay Napoli’s release clause of €75m. Apparently, Ineos, the majority shareholders in Man United were refusing to pay the huge salary, given their wish to reduce an already bloated wage bill but have now been forced to back down, given the desperate need for new players.

One source close to the deal said: “He has attracted interest from major English clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle United, Arsenal and especially Manchester United. The Red Devils have reportedly offered the player an annual salary of €15m and Manchester United are said to be willing to pay his club €75m.

“However, the deal is taking time to be finalized, due to a whim on the part of the Nigerian star. Juventus currently appear to be further behind.”

Napoli have been reluctant to strengthen a direct rival like Juventus, which explains why they have been trying to negotiate with English clubs. Chelsea have exited the race for Osimhen, which leaves Man United as the only other contender for the 26-year-old’s signature.

Osimhen fits  the vision of Man United manager Ruben Amorim perfectly as he is ruthless in front of goal, which his 31 league strikes this season will attest to. However, former Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has warned that Manchester United's hopes of signing Osimhen hinge entirely on qualifying for a European competition.

With just four games left in the 2024/25 season, Manchester United are out of Champions League qualification through the Premier League, trailing fifth-placed Chelsea by 21 points. However. Man United can still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League.

Mikel believes Osimhen will have little interest in joining a club not competing in a European competition like the Champions League or Europa League. Osimhen is in the form of his life at the moment, registering a career high 39 goal involvements in 36 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray, where he is on loan until June 30, 2025.