Italian Reporter Reveals Manchester United Played A Role In ‘Convincing’ Victor Osimhen To Reject Al-Hilal

Manchester United’s pursuit of Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen has taken yet another twist. According to fresh reports coming out of Italy, the Red Devils didn’t just monitor the player—they actively played a major role in convincing him to reject a mind-blowing offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal.

Tuttosport, a reputable Italian outlet, has revealed that Osimhen, who has been one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards over the past two seasons, was on the verge of accepting a lucrative deal to join Al-Hilal. However, Manchester United, with help from fellow Premier League side Arsenal, reportedly influenced the striker’s decision to stay in Europe.

The offer from Al-Hilal was no ordinary one. Sources claim the deal would have made Osimhen one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, with wages far beyond what even top European clubs could realistically afford. Despite the mouth-watering salary, the allure of continuing his journey at the pinnacle of European football seems to have won Osimhen over.

Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Osimhen is no secret. The Red Devils have been tracking the Napoli star since his breakout 2022–23 season, and recent reports indicated they were preparing a player-plus-cash deal involving Rasmus Højlund and an additional €33 million. While no formal agreement has been reached, these new developments give the Premier League giants renewed optimism.

It is understood that United’s sporting project, combined with Erik ten Hag’s belief in Osimhen’s abilities, formed part of the persuasive package that tilted the scales in United’s favour. The club reportedly made it clear to Osimhen’s entourage that he would be the focal point of their attack if he joined them this summer.

Arsenal’s interest also played a part. Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of Osimhen’s energy, finishing, and physicality. The Gunners had made preliminary inquiries, but it’s Manchester United that reportedly went the extra mile to woo the Nigerian forward.

Osimhen’s decision has sent a clear message to the football world: the Nigerian is not ready to trade elite European competition for the riches of Saudi Arabia—at least not yet. And for Manchester United, this is a small victory in what could be a decisive transfer window.

Napoli, however, remains a critical factor in the equation. The Italian side still holds Osimhen under contract and won’t let him go for anything less than his market valuation. Their openness to a deal involving Højlund and cash shows some flexibility, but a lot depends on how negotiations develop in the coming weeks.

The striker, who netted 36 goals across all competitions last season, is viewed by United as the final piece in their rebuilding puzzle. With Anthony Martial set to leave, and with question marks still hanging over Højlund’s consistency, United are prioritizing the arrival of a proven, world-class striker.

If Osimhen does make the switch to Old Trafford, it could be one of the biggest signings of the Erik ten Hag era. Not only would he bring goals, but he also brings star power and a relentless work ethic that could reinvigorate United’s front line.

It’s also important to highlight how this saga reflects a growing trend in European football. Saudi Arabian clubs are aggressively targeting Europe’s top talent, but not every player is tempted by financial gain. Osimhen’s case could set an important precedent for other young stars considering similar offers.

The Nigerian forward is currently preparing for pre-season training with Napoli, but insiders believe his agents are already lining up meetings with interested clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal. His preference for a move to the Premier League could accelerate talks soon.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are pressing ahead with their transfer plans. The club is also targeting a central midfielder and a right-back, but the focus remains on securing a marquee striker before the new season kicks off.

Though the transfer race for Osimhen is far from over, United’s early influence in his rejection of Al-Hilal shows that the club still commands respect and admiration across Europe. Whether they can now close the deal remains to be seen.

Fans are understandably excited. Many see Osimhen as the kind of statement signing that could propel United back into serious title contention. With Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho already in the mix, adding Osimhen could make United’s attack one of the most fearsome in Europe.

For now, Osimhen remains a Napoli player, but the groundwork has clearly been laid. And with Manchester United stepping up behind the scenes, this could be one of the defining transfer battles of the summer.

As the weeks unfold, United will need to be decisive. Interest from Arsenal and potentially other top clubs won’t make the process easy. But after reportedly helping Osimhen reject Saudi riches, the ball is now firmly in Manchester United’s court.

Stay tuned with Match Day Insider as we bring you the latest updates on Osimhen’s future, United’s transfer ambitions, and all the breaking news from the summer window.