Manchester United Target Victor Osimhen Refused To Join Them This Summer: Here's Why
KEY POINTS
- Victor Osimhen has a contract with Napoli until 2025
- Napoli are two points clear at the top of the Serie A table
- Osimhen has netted four goals this season
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen reportedly rejected a move to Manchester United this summer.
Osimhen was linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2022-23 season in a swap deal that would see Cristiano Ronaldo join Napoli.
Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda confirmed the Nigerian striker decided to continue at Napoli despite interest from other top European clubs, including Manchester United.
"There are many clubs interested in Victor but he wants to stay, he's really happy with the Napoli project. We've been very clear this summer after strange rumors [Manchester United and Ronaldo swap deal], he wanted to stay," Calenda said in an interview.
"Victor is the object of interest of many teams, it's certainly not a mystery. I would add, however, that things are done in three: who sells, who buys, and the player. I was immediately clear this summer because I knew that a fuss would happen for news coming out of those who perhaps had other interests. Me, the boy and Napoli had clear ideas," added Calenda.
The soccer agent went on to add that Osimhen "never had the will to leave Napoli."
"He [Osimhen] always had one desire, that of playing a great season between the league and the Champions League. He has a long contract with the blue club. The transfer market is dynamic, but our desire is to continue to do well at Napoli," he explained.
It was earlier reported that with Ronaldo expected to part ways next year, Manchester United were planning to revive their interest in the 23-year-old striker ahead of the January transfer window. Osimhen, who still has a contract with Napoli until 2025, could be valued at around $115 million.
Osimhen has netted four goals and an assist in eight appearances for the Serie A club this season. Three of them have come in three league games as Napoli maintains the top spot in the 2022-23 Serie A table. The Blues are two points clear at the top after 10 games.
With four wins in four games, Napoli are also the table-toppers in Group A of the Champions League. They thrashed last year's runners-up Liverpool 4-1 in their group meeting last month.
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