Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a swap deal that could see Joshua Zirkzee leave Old Trafford in exchange for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Zirkzee joined United in the summer from Bologna for £34 million, signing a five-year contract, but his tenure in Manchester has been far from smooth. Despite making an immediate impression by scoring a dramatic late winner against Fulham on his debut, the Dutch forward has struggled to maintain form, failing to find the net in his subsequent 15 appearances. This lack of impact has raised questions about his future with the club.
The arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim might provide Zirkzee with a chance to reinvigorate his United career, but speculation about a potential exit persists. According to Italian outlet *Il Mattino*, as reported by *Get Football News Italy*, Manchester United are considering including Zirkzee in a deal to sign Napoli’s prolific forward, Victor Osimhen. The proposal reportedly includes Zirkzee plus €30 million in cash to secure Osimhen’s services.
Osimhen’s situation at Napoli has been complicated in recent months. Stripped of his iconic No. 9 jersey and sidelined by head coach Antonio Conte, the Nigerian international was sent on loan to Galatasaray. Despite the setback, Osimhen has thrived in Turkey, scoring an impressive eight goals in nine games. His loan agreement reportedly includes a clause allowing him to leave in January if a club meets his €75 million release clause, sparking interest from elite teams across Europe.
For Manchester United, the addition of Osimhen would address their pressing need for a reliable goal scorer to complement Rasmus Højlund. The club has struggled with consistency in the attacking department, and Osimhen’s proven ability to deliver goals at the highest level makes him a prime target. Meanwhile, the proposed deal could benefit Napoli by adding a young, talented forward like Zirkzee to their ranks while also securing additional funds.
However, Napoli’s response to United’s offer remains unclear. Reports suggest that the Serie A leaders may prefer a straightforward cash deal that fully meets Osimhen’s release clause, rather than a player-plus-cash arrangement. This preference could complicate negotiations, as United would need to ensure their proposal aligns with Napoli’s financial and strategic goals.
Ultimately, the success of this potential swap deal hinges on multiple factors, including the willingness of both clubs to agree on terms and the players’ openness to the move. If finalized, the deal could mark a significant shift in both teams’ seasons, providing United with a proven striker and Napoli with a promising forward in Zirkzee.
