Manchester United have a big opportunity over the next 12 months to sign a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Last week we looked at three realistic January options, Cody Gakpo, Ivan Toney and Goncalo Ramos. MLS forward Jhon Duran has since emerged as a budget option.
Another path is to wait for next summer, and really splash out. There are a handful of elite strikers United could target who would cost the club a record fee, above the £89 million spent on Paul Pogba in 2016.
Here is a look at a trio of top strikers Manchester United could ‘go big’ to sign in 2023…
Harry Kane
Isn’t it about time Harry Kane put himself first and left Tottenham to sign with a top club? Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United looked a class apart against Spurs last week.
If it had been Kane on United’s side rather than Tottenham’s, the scoreline could have been 5-0 rather than 2-0, with the Red Devils too wasteful in front of goal.
Ten Hag’s United are now dominating games regularly and creating lots of chances. A ruthless striker like Kane is needed to put them away.
Kane’s Tottenham contract expires in 2024, so Spurs and Kane could be tempted by a big bid next summer.
The England forward appears to have shaken off the ankle injuries which troubled him previously, and is closing in on becoming the Premier League’s record goalscorer.
A move to Ten Hag’s United could reinvigorate him, and give the Red Devils a boost just like Rovin van Persie did in 2012.
Joao Felix
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix is only 22 and would have far more longevity at Manchester United than 29-year-old Harry Kane.
Felix is represented by Jorge Mendes, who is also Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, and Marca has reported he is looking for a potential exit from Atletico for his client.
The Portugal international has been on the bench for Atletico in recent weeks and this has prompted a new wave of speculation over his future.
Last season Felix scored against United in the Champions League, and he also struck the winner against Ten Hag’s side in pre-season.
Marca claimed United made an enquiry over Felix in the summer and were willing to pay upwards of £100 million. Believe that or not, it would not be a surprise to see United put Felix at the top of the club’s wish list for next summer.
Victor Osimhen
A very unlikely Cristiano Ronaldo and Victor Osimhen swap deal was loosely floated late in the summer, although never appeared credible.
Nonetheless, the Nigeria international striker would be a tremendous addition for Manchester United to target.
Osimhen won’t come cheap, he is yet to hit the peak of his career and Napoli are looking strong. It would require a club record fee to convince the Serie A leaders to let him go.
At the weekend he showed his quality by out-muscling Chris Smalling on the edge of the box before rifling home a ruthless finish, to secure a 1-0 win over Roma.
The 24-year-old has scored four goals in seven Serie A games this season and if he can stay injury free, he will continue to play a lethal role up front for his side – and attract interest from other clubs like United for next summer.
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