The Stamford Bridge outfit beat numerous clubs to the signing of Liam Delap. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
With Chelsea now negotiating the final details of their imminent acquisition of Liam Delap, Manchester United are scouring the market for forward alternatives.
The Red Devils have already sealed their first signing of the summer in the form of Matheus Cunha and are now expected to make a formal approach/bid for Bryan Mbeumo after he prioritised a move to Old Trafford.
Mbeumo had garnered interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, all of whom boast Champions League qualification heading into 2025/2026, but instead set his sights on joining Ruben Amorim’s ranks in hopes of playing an integral role in the anticipated rebuild in M16.
United retain their long-standing interest in Victor Osimhen
Still, an out-and-out centre-forward is necessary for the new campaign. Rasmus Hojlund, who faces an uncertain future at the club as it is, is far too unreliable to solely lead the line for a full season; he returned only four goals in 32 Premier League appearances last term.
One player who’s frequently been linked with United in recent years is Victor Osimhen. The Reds have long been admirers of his prolific goalscoring talents but have never gone as far as materialising their interest with a formal approach or bid.
They were essentially ruled out of the race for his signature this summer — as the 26-year-old prepares for a permanent departure from Napoli — due to his costly wages. SalarySport estimates that he pockets around £256,000 per week, which would instantly make him one of United’s top earners.
Why INEOS could adopt a new stance on pricey Osimhen
However, Laurie Whitwell revealed in today’s release of The Athletic’s Transfer Deal Sheet that INEOS chiefs may be tempted to ‘reevaluate’ their stance in the aftermath of being snubbed by Delap.
The Ipswich Town star had been dubbed United’s first-choice No.9 in the months leading up to the window opening, though Osimhen has been a concrete option on the shortlist.
He spent 2024/2025 on loan with Galatasaray after a fiery fallout with Antonio Conte last summer and proceeded to score 37 goals and contribute eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen finished his spell with a league title and Turkish Cup winners’ medal under his belt.
