Manchester United and Napoli 'eye major swap deal' for Marcus Rashford and Victor Osimhen

Manchester United could find a solution to the Marcus Rashford dilemma in the form of a swap deal.

Marcus Rashford‘s spell at Manchester United has been strongly linked with coming to an end, with the Red Devils looking to find a buyer.

Multiple reports including The Times have insisted Marcus Rashford has refused a move to Saudi Arabia, as he dreams of resurrecting his England career.

A move to another English club is unlikely – and one fresh option to emerge is a possible move join Scott McTominay at Napoli.

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Rashford and Osimhen swap mooted

Napoli could not afford to buy Marcus Rashford outright, and this is the problem Manchester United face with most interested teams.

According to The Sun, United could look to strike a deal with Napoli which would see Victor Osimhen come the other way.

Osimhen attempted to leave Napoli in the summer, but the Italian club’s high asking price scared teams off, while blowing up their own relationship with the Nigerian striker.

He ended up making a loan move to Galatasaray after most European deadlines had passed. It was seen as a temporary solution.

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Two years ago Manchester United signed Wout Weghorst on loan, who was on loan at Fenerbahce at the time. The Dutchman cancelled his deal there, in order to secure a move to United. A similar option would likely exist in Osimhen’s current loan arrangement.

The Sun’s report does not go into any detail surrounding United’s interest in Osimhen, in terms of figures, or even whether it would be a loan or permanent solution.

But it does make clear that Napoli boss Antonio Conte is keen on Rashford, and would like to make a deal happen.

Osimhen’s goal record this season

Victor Osimhen was one of the most highly rated goalscorers in world football in 2022/23 after firing Napoli to the league title. But last season was a disaster for club and player, where he lost his spark and suffered with injuries.

In Turkey he has been back to his best. In 15 games he has scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists, 17 goal contributions in total.

Osimhen is only 26, although similar to Rashford, he would command very high wages. It would be a like for like financially.

What Osimhen would provide, is a more direct goal threat, one that Rasmus Hojlund could learn from.

As a loan move this might be an interesting experiment to give United a jolt. Long-term, it could be an expensive risk.

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