Man Utd Targets Five Strikers Including Osimhen and Lewandowski for Summer Signing

Manchester United is preparing to add a prominent striker this summer, identifying five potential candidates including Victor Osimhen and Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.

The club has finalized the permanent transfer of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli for £38 million, while also planning to sell Joshua Zirkzee. Funds from these sales are expected to boost their budget for acquiring a new striker to support Benjamin Sesko.

United invested £74 million in Sesko last August, and he scored 11 goals across 30 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford.

Head coach Michael Carrick is seeking an additional striker to provide competition and depth alongside Sesko.

The ideal signing would be a proven goal scorer who would not hinder Sesko's long-term progression.

According to CaughtOffside, the five strikers on United’s shortlist are Osimhen, Lewandowski, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dusan Vlahovic, and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Osimhen is regarded as the preferred target, currently at his peak and recognized as one of the world’s top forwards.

However, acquiring Osimhen would require a substantial portion of United’s budget, as Galatasaray demands €150 million (£130 million) for the Nigerian striker.

United is also weighing a potential surprise signing of Robert Lewandowski, who is a free agent following his departure from Barcelona.

Despite being 37 years old, Lewandowski remains an effective goal scorer when in form.

Like Lewandowski, Dusan Vlahovic will be available on a free transfer this summer after Juventus failed to renew his contract.

Potential Striker Options for United

Eli Junior Kroupi, aged 19, is seen as a promising long-term option after his breakthrough performances at Bournemouth.

Among the candidates, Mateta appears to be the most suitable if United aims to avoid affecting Sesko’s development.

Mateta offers Premier League experience without the expectation of guaranteed starts, unlike Osimhen, Lewandowski, or Vlahovic.

Choosing Mateta over Osimhen could disappoint former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has publicly advocated for Osimhen.

Ferdinand stated in July 2025: “I’m like a broken record. If anyone listens to my podcast, I’ve said Osimhen for a while now.

“He’s a centre-forward, he’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level. I’ve seen today that Galatasaray have put a £50 million bid in.

“I mean, £50 million to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market.

“I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No. 9.”