Man United could be handed immediate Victor Osimhen blow after 'dream' transfer completed
Manchester United are heavily linked with a move for Victor Osimhen this summer as he searches for a new transfer challenge
Manchester United could be without striker Victor Osimhen for as many as ten matches next season if he was to sign in the summer transfer window.
United are on the hunt for a centre-forward this summer having suffered from a lack of goals this season. Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray, is determined to depart Napoli this summer having failed to make a permanent exit last year.
On Tuesday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Osimhen was 'dreaming' of a move to United this summer having turned down an approach from Al Hilal over the weekend. They also claimed that the Reds were formulating a strategy to sign the centre-forward when the window reopens on Monday, June 16.
However, should they push ahead with this deal for the Nigerian, United would be hit with an immediate issue that needs to be addressed. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place during the festive period and new year, December 21 until January 18.
Osimhen, who is the talisman for Nigeria, will be at the tournament this winter with their group stage matches being played on December 23 vs Tanzania, December 27 vs Tunisia and December 30 vs Uganda. While United's fixtures for next season have not yet been published, they did play three matches over Christmas last year.
It is anticipated if Nigeria reach the final of AFCON, Osimhen would be unavailable for as many as ten matches which could leave United in a tough spot during a pivotal period of the campaign. The most frustrating bit for the Reds is that this scenario could have been avoided.
The Moroccan tournament had been scheduled for this summer. However, it was bumped back to winter after FIFA decided to expand the Club World Cup to 32 teams.
With that tournament taking priority over AFCON, the prestigious international showpiece was forced to move to the middle of the domestic season.
The summer transfer window shall briefly close on Tuesday, June 10 before reopening again on Monday, June 16.
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