Latest developments
- Manchester United want to conduct a swap deal with Napoli for Victor Osimhen.
- The striker would arrive at Old Trafford with Joshua Zirkzee heading the other way.
- A €75 million release clause is thwarting Osimhen's chances of leaving Naples.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (1.5/5): Local news site with no source info
Man Utd and Napoli are going to conduct an incredible swap deal in January, which would see Victor Osimhen arriving at Old Trafford and Joshua Zirkzee heading to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
This story comes from calcionapoli24.it, which, as the name suggests, is a local football site in Naples. They could have insider knowledge, but with no information on their source, it has to be taken with a huge pinch of salt.
Value (5/5): United could not dream up a better deal
For the Red Devils, signing one of the most sought-after strikers in world football in exchange for a player that has been a total flop since arriving in the summer would be dream business.
The Nigerian has scored eight times in nine games on loan at Galatasaray this season, and has a €75 million market value. Zirkzee's latest valuation on Transfermarkt is €50 million, but that was from the summer, before he scored once in his first 17 United appearances.
Suitability (4.5/5) Osimhen scores for fun anywhere
With excellent goalscoring records in Turkey, Italy, France, Belgium and in international football, Osimhen has shown that he can score anywhere – except in Germany, where he never scored in 16 games for Wolfsburg in 2017/18!
Unless the Premier League is his next Bundesliga, he should have no issue continuing his brilliant form in England.
Upgrade? (5/5): United need his goals
Languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, the major area for improvement Ruben Amorim needs from his new side is in front of goal.
As already explained, Osimhen would be a clear upgrade on Zirkzee, while Rasmus Hojlund is yet to regularly fire consistently for the Red Devils.
Logic (4/5): Any deal will do for Victor
As so many clubs have been put off by Osimhen's €75 million release clause and Napoli's tough negotiating tactics, this deal would be great for the 25-year-old, who would not have envisaged being loaned out to the Turkish Super League.
United may not be his first choice, but at least he will have his future finally settled.
Whisper+ verdict: 20/25
A swap deal between Osimhen and Zirkzee will settle a lot of issues; United will have a goalscorer, Zirkzee will return to a league he has succeeded in, and Osimhen has his future settled.
However, if Napoli are not going to settle for below €75 million, then in what universe are they going to settle for Zirkzee? Sorry United fans, it's too good to be true!
