Soccer
Former Manchester United striker Alan Brazil has urged the club to act swiftly and sign Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen after their top summer target, Viktor Gyokeres, appeared to snub a move to Old Trafford, Soccernet.ng reports.
United had identified Gyokeres as their primary striker target following his sensational season with Sporting CP.
The 26-year-old Swede netted 39 goals in the league — the highest tally in Portugal in four decades — and 54 goals across all competitions. His goals powered Sporting to the Primeira Liga title and Taca de Portugal triumph, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
However, reports suggest Gyokeres prefers a switch to Arsenal, leaving United scrambling for alternatives.
Brazil believes the Red Devils should turn their attention to Victor Osimhen, who rekindled his form during a successful loan spell at Galatasaray last season, scoring 37 goals in 41 matches and registering 7 assists. Despite falling out of favour at Napoli, where he helped secure the 2022/23 Serie A title with 26 goals, the 26-year-old remains highly coveted.
Speaking on talkSPORT (via Football Insider), Brazil said:
“At one stage he (Osimhen) was magnificent at Napoli, wasn’t he? Maybe he needs a move to rekindle his enthusiasm and start scoring goals again. He can head the ball. Why not? Why wouldn’t you take the chance? 26 is no age.”
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Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian goal machine
United’s need for a reliable striker has intensified following a disappointing season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund, their marquee signing last summer, managed only a handful of goals to compound the club’s lack of firepower.
Osimhen, Nigeria’s second all-time top scorer, has previously rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of remaining in Europe. He’s also been linked with Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
Despite the Turkish Super Lig being less competitive than the Premier League, Osimhen’s past success in Serie A and Ligue 1 shows he can adapt and thrive in top European leagues. United boss Ruben Amorim must now weigh whether to pursue Osimhen or pivot to Eintracht Frankfurt’s 22-year-old forward Hugo Ekitike as plan B.
For United, missing out on Gyokeres could yet be a blessing in disguise — if they move decisively to land Osimhen.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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