Galatasaray eyes Kolo Muani but Man Utd's Osimhen plans disrupt strategy
News Update December 26, 2024 02:02 AM

Galatasaray is exploring the possibility of signing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Randal Kolo Muani as a replacement for Mauro Icardi, who is out for the rest of the season due to knee injury and subsequent surgery.

The Turkish club aims to maintain its two-striker system and sees the 26-year-old Frenchman as an ideal fit. Additionally, Galatasaray envisions Kolo Muani forming a strong partnership with Victor Osimhen.

However, Manchester United’s rumored interest in Osimhen could complicate Galatasaray’s plans.

Galatasaray targets Kolo Muani while Manchester United’s interest in Osimhen raises concerns, Dec. 25, 2024. (Created with Canva)

Galatasaray’s vision for Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen’s partnership

Kolo Muani joined PSG in 2023 for €95 million after an impressive season with Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite his high-profile transfer, Muani’s time at PSG has not met expectations.

  • In 54 appearances, he scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists.

Galatasaray is negotiating to bring Muani on loan until the end of the season. PSG is reportedly open to this arrangement, and discussions with the player have been positive.

Muani, who gained international recognition during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is seen as a significant addition to Galatasaray’s plans to strengthen their attack.

Galatasaray eyes Kolo Muani but Man Utd's Osimhen plans disrupt strategy
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring a goal during the 12th-week match between Galatasaray and Samsunspor at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Türkiye on November 10, 2024. (AA Photo)

Manchester United’s Victor Osimhen plans, impact on Galatasaray’s vision

Galatasaray plans to pair Kolo Muani with Victor Osimhen to create a formidable strike duo. However, Manchester United’s interest in Osimhen could disrupt these plans. The Premier League club, struggling in 13th place, is looking to improve its attacking options.

United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, and manager, Ruben Amorim, are reportedly assessing Osimhen as a target.

  • Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has drawn significant interest due to his strong performances.
  • However, the United faces financial constraints, including a high wage bill and Premier League financial regulations
  • Reports indicate that they are considering a player-swap deal with Napoli involving Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, or Rasmus Hojlund
  • Napoli’s willingness to entertain such a deal adds complexity, potentially cutting Osimhen’s loan spell at Galatasaray short
Kolo Muani celebrates scoring during French national team's match against
Kolo Muani celebrates scoring during the French national team’s match against Greece, Athens, Greece, November 21, 2023. (Photo via Instagram / @r_kolomuani)

Galatasaray’s focus remains on securing Kolo Muani to strengthen their squad. Juventus has also expressed interest in Muani, but Galatasaray’s structured plan to provide him with significant playing time offers an advantage.

The Turkish club‘s vision to pair Muani with Osimhen is central to their strategy this season.

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