Better than Delap: Man Utd in talks to sign "the best ST on the market"
da betsson： Manchester United’s front line has massively disappointed throughout the 2024/25 campaign, being one of the main reasons for their dismal Premier League finish.
da apostaganha： The Red Devils finished in 15th place, just three places above the relegation zone, finishing the season with two times fewer points than eventual champions Liverpool.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo finished as the top scorers for Ruben Amorim’s side, both notching just eight goals, with no player managing to reach double figures in the league.
Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were both massively out of form throughout the entire year, only scoring seven goals in the Premier League between them.
As a result, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in such a department, with numerous names already mentioned with a summer switch to Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
With the transfer window set to open over the next couple of weeks, United have already begun work to land new stars to help Amorim’s quest of being a success in charge of the club.
Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitiké and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a summer switch to join the Red Devils, but as of yet, no progress has yet been made on such deals.
However, work has been conducted on a deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen over recent days, that’s according to Italian journalist Valter De Maggio.
He claimed on radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli, that the Red Devils hierarchy have met up with the Serie A side and negotiated a potential deal for the Nigerian international.
The journalist also confirmed that Antonio Conte’s side would want £40m plus current striker Hojlund in the other direction for the 26-year-old, who’s scored 36 times in 40 appearances on loan at Galatasaray this season.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Delap
Over the last couple of weeks, striker Liam Delap has been widely touted with a move to join United this summer after his £30m relegation release clause became active.
The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich Town, undoubtedly being their shining light in a dismal campaign, leading to his subsequent links to join the Red Devils.
However, despite the interest, it appears as though Amorim’s side are set to miss out on a deal for his services, with Chelsea taking the lead in the race for his signature in recent days.
It’s been reported that United’s lack of European football has handed the Blues the advantage, leading to the potential interest in a deal for Osimhen as a result.
However, when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in various key areas – undoubtedly being a better addition than Delap.
The Napoli star, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored the Englishman and registered a higher shot on target rate – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.
He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted and achieved a higher take-on success rate, handing Amorim an all round option in the final third – something he’s greatly missed.
How Victor Osimhen compares to Liam Delap in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Osimhen
Delap
Games played
29
37
Goals & assists
30
14
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
43%
Shots on target per game
3.4
1
Pass accuracy
68%
61%
Take-on success
60%
46%
Aerials won
64%
42%
Stats via FBref
Osimhen’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials, with his ability in the air offering the club a needed focal point, which they desperately need to take them back to their former glory.
The reported deal, which could see Hojlund move back to Serie A, may prove to be a blessing in disguise for United, moving on a player who’s simply not at the level required for the Premier League.
It may be disappointing to miss out on Delap given the bargain price he’s available for, but the Nigerian has demonstrated that he’s a better option, handing the club the elite-level attacker they need to right the wrongs of 2024/25.
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