There is no real surprise that Manchester United will look to sign a new center-forward this summer. The question now is who will be the player to spearhead the team’s assault for the foreseeable future.

Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly interested in signing a “world-class” number nine ahead of the upcoming campaign, with both Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur and Victor Osimhen of Napoli being mentioned as potential top targets.

In the instance of the latter player, the Nigerian striker’s exceptional play in helping the Serie A team win the Scudetto has brought him to broader recognition. He has scored 23 goals in only 29 league games this season and an additional five goals in just six Champions League appearances.

The 24-year-old will not be allowed to leave Naples without a fight, with reports that Luciano Spalletti’s team may demand up to €150 million (£130 million) for the former Lille star. Tom Colomosse, a journalist, claims that the player is on the “same level” as Manchester City machine, Erling Haaland.

Given that Ten Hag is reportedly going to have £100 million to work with this summer before player sales, such a high asking price would probably go over United’s budget. If a deal on Osimhen’s valuation cannot be reached, alternative targets should be considered.

In the current situation, it would appear that the Red Devils may have already found a more cheap alternative for the position in the form of Osimhen’s countryman, Gift Orban. Recent rumours in Belgium indicate that the Old Trafford team has been scouting the Gent talent.

Must Man United acquire Gift Orban?

The young, talented 20-year-old, who has recently demonstrated his ability to be a truly prolific and clinical presence, might very well be United’s response to Osimhen.

Jacek Kulig, a talent scout, described Orban as “electric” and a player who is “born to score” after he scored 19 goals and recorded seven assists in just 24 games for the Norwegian team Stabaek last season. This season, Orban has scored 19 goals in just 19 appearances for the Pro League team.

Due to his impressive start at the senior level and obvious potential, the 5 foot 10 ace has already drawn parallels to the Napoli ace. CBS analyst Ben Jacobs said earlier this year:

He is, of course, being compared somewhat to Victor Osimhen given that they are both Nigerian. Even if he’s a little bit smaller than Osimhen, he’s not afraid to move his body, he’s clinical, smart, and he has good awareness.

Osmihen-Man-United-Orban-Premier-League-transfer
The young player is maybe following in the footsteps of his countryman after deciding to transfer to Belgium earlier this year. Osimhen had previously enjoyed a fantastic tenure with Pro League side Charleroi, where he scored 20 goals in just 36 appearances.

The hope for those at United will be that young Orban could make a more direct route to England by joining up with Ten Hag this summer, having proven himself a real “phenomenon” – according to his manager, Hein Vanhaezebrouck. The 25-cap marksman has since gone on to blossom in both France and now Italy.

Osimhen will cost a fortune to move from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, so a fee closer to €50 million (£44 million) as suggested by Vanhaezebrouck would make the Gent star much more appealing. Last month, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggested the asking price may be closer to €20 million (£17 million).

In either case, United could be able to get their money’s worth out of the budding superstar.