Better Than Mbeumo: Man Utd to Hijack Liverpool Transfer After ‘Private Meeting’

Manchester United should immediately look to beat Liverpool to the signing of Victor Osimhen once they finally get a deal for Bryan Mbeumo over the line.

It's been a month since news broke of Mbeumo's desire to join Ruben Amorim's side over the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United. The Red Devils have failed with two bids for the 25-year-old, with Brentford demanding more than £65m.

Reports suggest they are "closing in" on making him their third summer signing, with a third offer imminent. He will likely line up alongside fellow new arrival Matheus Cunha in a new-look frontline, but United can't afford to spend as much time bringing a new number nine to Old Trafford.

The Nigerian is the best striker on the market

Manchester United need a new frontman to lead the line amid Rasmus Hojlund's disappointing form and Joshua Zirkzee's tendency to play more as a number ten. Liam Delap was the top target but opted for Chelsea after Amorim's men failed to qualify for the Champions League.

One name that has consistently been touted as a potential option is Osimhen, which would be a remarkably audacious transfer given the financial implications. The Nigerian spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and was hugely successful, bagging 37 goals in 41 games.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Victor Osimhen is the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history (76 goals).

It's not just United who have been monitoring the 26-year-old, though, as GIVEMESPORT sources learned that Liverpool held talks in June regarding the prolific frontman. Arne Slot's Reds have shown they are prepared to pay big bucks to bring top talent to Anfield, including a £116m deal for Florian Wirtz.

The Red Devils' stumble has coincided with their arch-rivals' rise back to the top of English football. If they were to then miss out on Osimhen to the Merseysiders, it would only hand Amorim a bigger task in trying to restore the club's glory days.

Victor Osimhen (Turkish Super Lig 2024-25) Appearances: 29 Goals: 26 Expected Goals (xG): 23.80 Scoring Frequency: 88min Goals Per Game: 0.9

The good news is that Osimhen has reportedly decided he wants to join United despite the lack of Champions League football and their worst-ever Premier League campaign. The club's pull has seen Mbeumo and Cunha similarly jump on board despite the crisis that has been ensuing.

The bad news is that a deal is an expensive one, with any interested club expected to pay £65m to sign the Nigeria international. He is also demanding a contract worth £400,000 per week, which would exceed the wage structure INEOS has looked to implement.

Osimhen, hailed as "the best striker in the world", does fancy the move, though, and his desire to join could be crucial if a pursuit reaches talks over personal terms. It would be a nightmare to see Liverpool beat them to his signature, and all focus should be on ensuring that doesn't happen once Mbeumo is confirmed.

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 05.07.2025

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