Victor Osimhen 'agreement' puts Man United on transfer alert as release clause set to be activated

Ross Gregory & Josh Holland
·4-min read
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Manchester United are in the thick of their summer transfer business, with Erik ten Hag eager to bolster his squad. The Dutchman knows he needs reinforcements after a season that almost cost him his job.

The Red Devils finished eighth in the Premier League last season, but rescued their campaign with victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. That not only ensured European football at Old Trafford for the 2024/25 campaign but ensured Ten Hag stayed as manager.

Having been saved from the axe, Ten Hag knows he must improve the league fortunes or Ineos will consider a change, regardless of whether he has signed a contract extension or not. Several high-profile players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford including top strikers like Joshua Zirkzee, Jonathan David and Victor Osimhen, with the attack an area that needs bolstering.

However, with a huge squad rebuild required, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined not to pay over the odds for players, United are being cautious with their business. They've made an offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite which was dismissed as being way too low, and are looking at release clauses and players with just 12 months left on their contract.

MEN Sport takes a look at some of the transfer rumours around United and the business that could be done.

Joshua Zirkzee release clause to be activated

Zirzkee's release clause has been a trending topic regarding Man United this week as the race for his signature continues to run-on. The striker has £34m release clause in his contract at Bologna and according to talkSPORT, United are ready to trigger it.

READ MORE: PSG make Marcus Rashford transfer U-turn as Manchester United star's stance revealed

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Personal terms are thought to be no problem though AC Milan are also keen. A move to the Premier League is said to be a serious option for Zirkzee after his impressive campaign in Italy.

Conte confirms Osimhen agreement

Napoli star Osimhen is a player who has long been linked with United. Last summer, the player was said to be on the club's radar, along with Harry Kane, before Ten Hag plumped for Rasmus Hojlund in a £72m swoop. Now, new Napoli manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that an agreement is in place for him to leave the Italian club.

At his unveiling, the Italian said: "As far as Osimhen is concerned, just as I knew very well about the situation of Kvara, Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, Lobotka, on which I have placed an absolute veto.

"Having said that, I know what the situation is regarding Osimhen. I know that there are agreements, that it is a situation different from all the others. I can only assist. He is a player of the highest level, exceptional, but I cannot enter into any discussion because it is part of previous agreements which have been clearly stated to me."

Jonathan David boost

Jonathan David has emerged as an alternative to Zirkzee. But like the Netherlands international, David is a man with interest around Europe with Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham United all 'making checks' on the Canada international.

The Guardian have claimed the four Premier League teams are keen on the forward. However, it has since emerged that West Ham are unlikely to pursue their interest in David which means United have a clear run to sign him.

Manuel Ugarte

Reports in Uruguay have reported that David is 'close' to becoming a United player. ESPN Uruguay have reported that PSG are demanding 'part' of the €60m they paid Sporting CP for him last summer.

The story claims that the Red Devils are 'most probably' Ugarte's destination, despite interest from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid. Following on from the report in South America, FootMercato have claimed PSG have not yet asked Ugarte to leave the club.

Mason Greenwood

Greenwood won't be short of options if he leaves Man United this summer. The 22-year-old is likely to leave the club on a permanent basis and interest in him has increased over the last few weeks.

According to The Athletic, the striker will have plenty of options including Marseille. It's claimed the Ligue 1 outfit have engaged in positive talks over a move but Lazio, Juventus and Napoli are all keeping a close eye on the situation.

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