Reports suggest that Manchester United is negotiating a potential swap deal with Napoli to bring Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to Old Trafford. This deal would involve Marcus Rashford moving to the Italian club, signaling a significant shift in his career.
Rashford, 27, is valued at £60 million and has already turned down three lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, which included weekly wages of £675,000. He chose to remain in Europe to improve his chances of reclaiming a spot in the English national team.
Napoli, led by coach Antonio Conte, has expressed strong interest in signing Rashford during the winter transfer window. United’s manager Ruben Amorim hopes to capitalize on this interest to secure Osimhen, a player who could provide the much-needed firepower for the struggling English club.
Rashford’s Future in Doubt
Rashford has missed Manchester United’s last five games due to poor form and inconsistent performances. This decision sparked debate, especially as the team is currently in 14th place in the Premier League and battling relegation concerns.
Despite his struggles, Rashford remains a target for several European clubs. While he is still under contract with United until 2028, he is reportedly eager to find a new opportunity to impress England’s new coach, Thomas Tuchel.
Osimhen as a Key Target
According to The Sun, Victor Osimhen has become a primary target for Manchester United. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker has scored 65 goals in 108 Serie A matches for Napoli since joining in 2020. He has a release clause of £62 million and is currently on loan at Galatasaray.
United previously pursued Osimhen last summer but failed to reach an agreement. However, Napoli’s interest in Rashford could now pave the way for a swap deal that benefits both sides.
Financial Strategy and Rebuilding
Manchester United is under financial pressure to comply with profitability rules and intends to sell homegrown players like Rashford to generate funds. Amorim aims to rebuild the squad and has also shown interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyökeres, though he plans to wait until the summer for any moves involving his former club.
Challenges in the Market
Rashford’s high wage demands have deterred clubs like Bayern Munich and Juventus from pursuing him. Bayern ended negotiations early, and Juventus shifted their focus to United’s young striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, Rashford continues working with his agency to explore new opportunities. With the transfer window still open, unexpected moves could happen in the coming weeks.
