Manchester United could be in the market for a new striker in the summer - and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has emerged as a target in recent times.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for the Nigerian last year but Erik ten Hag opted to move for a right-sided forward instead as Antony arrived in an £85million move from Ajax. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial already at the club, it made sense for the Dutchman to prioritise Antony ahead of a new striker.
However, fast forward six months and Ten Hag is looking towards signing a new No.9 the summer, when Wout Weghorst's loan deal expires. The Burnley man was brought in on a six-month contract but has failed to deliver at the top end of the pitch, scoring once in nine matches.
United are expected to dip into the window for a new forward this summer and Osimhen could be the perfect long-term option given his age, profile and goalscoring ability. The 24-year-old has netted 18 goals in 19 Serie A appearances this season and is the division's top scorer, with Ademola Lookman the next highest (12).
Earlier in the month, Ten Hag claimed that United need a striker who makes an "impact" - and it is safe to say that Osimhen has made a lasting impression this season. Remarkably, nine of his goals this season have come in his last seven games and he is in the form of his life as Napoli lead the way in Serie A.
Speaking on January 2, Ten Hag said: "We have a good team when all the players are available. But with many games coming up, I think there is a need [for a striker]. You need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money."
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Instead of splashing the cash to buy someone of Osimhen's calibre, United chose to sign Weghorst on loan as a cheaper alternative as the Red Devils hierarchy decide their preferred long-term option. Weghorst, however, was used as a No.10 in United's trip to Barcelona on Thursday, rather than a straight lone striker.
This could be a sign that Ten Hag doesn't trust Weghorst to lead the line by himself in the so-called 'bigger' matches, although he still started and remains a crucial part of the squad. The 30-year-old is set to return to the Clarets at the end of the season, but has previously suggested that he would like to stay at United for longer than six months.
Asked if he hoped to show Ten Hag that he is worth keeping beyond this loan stint and stay even longer following the trip to Nottingham Forest in January, Weghorst said: "Yeah, of course. The situation now was how it was, and it was for a loan.
"It's a massive club so I will try to do everything as good as I can, and if it will work out of course it will be a good option."
Harry Kane has also been heavily linked with a move to United, with his Tottenham contract up in the summer of 2024.
