Newcastle United’s striker Alexander Isak says he’s ready to join Manchester United but on one condition.
Manchester United’s search for a reliable goal scorer has become increasingly urgent, given the struggles of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee this season. The Danish forward has managed only eight goals, while the Dutchman has six, highlighting the team’s need for a more clinical finisher. Højlund’s lengthy goal drought in the Premier League further underscores this issue, and Zirkzee’s natural inclination towards an attacking midfield role rather than a traditional striker position adds to the challenge. As a result, Ruben Amorim is prioritizing a new striker in the upcoming transfer window.
Initially, the United boss had set his sights on a reunion with Viktor Gyökeres, but the Swedish forward’s insistence on playing in the Champions League has complicated matters. With United’s top-four finish uncertain, the club has turned its attention to alternative targets. One of the most prominent names on their shortlist is Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli. The Nigerian forward has been in blistering form, netting 26 goals and providing five assists, making him a highly sought-after player.
Napoli appears open to parting ways with Osimhen at the end of the season, though financial constraints could make a deal challenging for interested clubs. While Galatasaray would love to keep him, their ability to meet Napoli’s demands and his high wages remains questionable. Even for Manchester United, securing his signature outright could prove difficult, prompting discussions of a potential swap deal. Initially, Rasmus Højlund was rumored to be included in such an arrangement, but recent reports suggest Alejandro Garnacho could be the player heading in the opposite direction.
Napoli had expressed interest in Garnacho during the January window, though they were unwilling to meet United’s €70 million valuation of the young Argentine winger. Now, with Antonio Conte searching for a replacement for Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, the possibility of including Garnacho in a deal for Osimhen has gained traction. Despite Garnacho recently ending his goal drought against Leicester City, his inconsistency in front of goal and occasional attitude concerns could influence United’s decision on whether to part ways with him.
Amorim had previously resisted attempts to sell Garnacho during the winter window, standing firm against INEOS’s plans. However, with the summer approaching and United eager to secure a top-class striker, circumstances could change. The evolving situation surrounding Osimhen’s future promises to be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas to follow in the coming months.
