While Manchester United are focused on securing a return to the UEFA Champions League, the board has already started planning for the summer transfer window. They want to ensure they have plans in place to build on their performances under Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils already have a shortlist of targets for the summer, and they have started working on potential transfers. Meanwhile, their former star Nicky Butt has called for the chiefs to go after the signature of Victor Osimhen.
The 51-year-old believes Manchester United should make the Galatasaray star forward their priority target to reinforce their attack. He is seen as an upgrade to Benjamin Sesko, who is still relatively young and has time on his hands.
While speaking to , Butt said, “I think he’d be the one. You’d like to think that players from Turkish sides are gettable. The recruitment team will not only look at the best players, but you’re looking at the ones that are gettable. You’re wasting time on certain players that you’re not going to get if they cost £120million.
“I think he’s powerful, quick, he can run in behind, he’s strong, has got a good touch, can score different types of goals, he’s good in the air. It’s a difficult job to recruit players and maybe you go and find someone with potential but they keep doing that and it doesn’t quite work.
“Sesko has not quite worked. It’s the same mistake as Rasmus Hojlund. A young, unproven striker, a lot of money, too much weight on his shoulders. He’s scored a few goals and done well over the last few weeks but he’s not been a roaring success.
“Sesko might be ready in two or three years but not right now and definitely not in the Champions League. I know Osimhen isn’t proven in the Premier League but you look at his physicality and the way he plays football, he can definitely handle it.”
Manchester United forked out a big fee to sign Benjamin Sesko last summer from RB Leipzig. The youngster struggled in the initial phase of the season, but he has finally started to get the hang of the Premier League. However, he is not yet ready to be the leader of the Red Devils’ attack.
As a result, Butt wants the club to go after Victor Osimhen, who has a proven track record across different leagues. In the ongoing campaign, the 27-year-old Nigerian striker has been involved in 29 matches and has contributed towards 26 goals. Ten of those goal contributions have come in the Champions League.
The 51-year-old believes Osimhen is a gettable target for Manchester United because he is currently playing in the Turkish top flight, and he is better suited to the Premier League because of his strong physical presence. He has the pace, the ability to take on defenders and is clinical in front of goal, making him a perfect fit for Manchester United, who are gearing up for a return to the Champions League.
While Butt thinks Osimhen is gettable, he will certainly cost a fortune with over three years left on his deal. Galatasaray consider him a cornerstone of their project and won’t just let him leave for a bargain fee.
