Victor Osimhen Turns Down Manchester United Move, Prefers Galatasaray Return
Manchester United have suffered a setback in their search for a new striker after Victor Osimhen reportedly rejected a move to Old Trafford, making it clear he wants to return to Galatasaray.
The Nigerian forward, who scored 37 goals in 41 matches last season to help Galatasaray win the Turkish league and cup double, is believed to have refused to take a pay cut to join United. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen said no to United’s approach and has chosen to continue with the Turkish champions instead.
Osimhen recently returned to Napoli after his loan spell in Turkey ended, but the Italian side are expected to sell him this summer. Galatasaray are pushing hard to bring him back permanently and have already submitted a second bid to Napoli.
Their first offer of €60 million (£51.6 million) was turned down. The new bid is worth €75 million (£64.6 million), which matches the release clause in Osimhen’s Napoli contract. However, Galatasaray want to pay the amount in five instalments, rather than all at once — and it remains unclear whether Napoli will accept these terms.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, continue to look for a top-quality striker. They had considered Viktor Gyökeres, but he now appears close to joining Arsenal.
United have already spent £62.5 million on Matheus Cunha and could still spend £65 million on Bryan Mbeumo, who is reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford. That financial pressure could make a move for Osimhen less likely — especially now that the player himself prefers Galatasaray.
The rejection is another blow to United’s summer plans as they aim to rebuild their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.
