Juventus has officially pulled out of the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen after his current club, Napoli, set a €100 million price tag on the Super Eagles forward. The Serie A giants had been monitoring the 26-year-old’s progress for months but have now decided to back away from the deal due to the high asking price, according to reports from Tuttosport.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray, has been in outstanding form, netting 21 goals in 25 league appearances and adding four assists. This impressive performance has attracted interest from top clubs, with Premier League side Manchester United now potentially benefiting from Juventus’ decision to withdraw.
Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, has been struggling with goal-scoring this season, having scored just 39 goals in the Premier League, placing them among the worst attacking teams in the league. The need for a prolific striker has intensified, and Osimhen, with his proven goal-scoring ability, has been seen as a key target for the club.
However, Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal has emerged as a strong contender for Osimhen’s signature. According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Al-Hilal has already begun negotiations with the striker’s representatives, signaling their intent to add the Nigerian star to their star-studded squad, which includes players like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Osimhen first gained widespread recognition during his time at French side Lille before making a high-profile move to Napoli in 2020. Since then, the Nigerian international has become a major figure in Italian football. However, his relationship with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has soured in recent months, making a permanent departure in the summer increasingly likely.
While Chelsea had been linked with Osimhen in the past, the striker might be hesitant to entertain a move to Stamford Bridge after his failed transfer last season, which left him in a difficult position.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is reportedly considering alternative options to bolster their attack, with Ipswich Town’s 22-year-old forward Liam Delap emerging as a potential target. Delap could be available for a transfer fee of around £30 million following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League.
