“Next Mbappé” on the radar: Man Utd plot major striker upgrade over Højlund
Brace yourself, Red Devils fans—Manchester United are not just sniffing around for another striker. According to top-tier Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, United are initiating serious negotiations to bring what some are calling “the next Mbappé” to Old Trafford. And this isn’t about Rasmus Højlund, despite him being the only recognized center-forward on the books. This is a bold, fresh front-loaded move. Jason Wilcox—the man overseeing talent operations—is now at the center of it all.
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🔄 Why the shake-up?
After a disappointing campaign that saw United plummet to 15th in the Premier League and register just 44 goals, the lack of a clinical finisher has been glaringly obvious . Yes, they’ve signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5 m, but what the squad truly needs is a fiery, proven #9 to lead the line and scare defenses.
Højlund may have potential, but hot ambition calls for more — and now.
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🎯 The “Next Mbappé” target
English media have spotlighted two thrilling young prospects: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. Both fit the explosive package on paper.
Ekitike (22) hit 22 goals in 48 matches last season. Known for dazzling one-on-one ability, smart build-up play, and pace, he’s earned comparisons to Alexander Isak . United have already approached him after Sporting’s Gyökeres opted for Arsenal.
Osimhen (26) ripped it up in Turkey—32 goals in 37 games—and is reported to be United’s current No. 1 striker target, valued around £65 million. Though Saudi clubs could temper that move, he’s open to Premier League life .
These targets go beyond Højlund’s ceiling. They bring leadership, presence, and a decisive edge.
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💡 Strategy: Sell to buy?
Grace has been bought with Højlund, but any new arrival will require smart investment. Frankfurt wants €100 m for Ekitike; Osimhen’s weekly wage could be up around £500k . That spells player sales—the Red Devils need to shift out before they can splash out. Notice a pattern? This is the Wilcox philosophy: invest big on talent, but pay the piper first.
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🔍 Who’s steering?
Jason Wilcox is quietly forging a new path at United, with the ambition of unearthing the next elite attacker. And Fabrizio Romano confirms this: “Wilcox initiates negotiations to bring … the next Mbappé” to Old Trafford.
What’s crucial here is the club’s long-term vision. They’re not just looking to sprinkle temporary fixes—they want someone capable of defining a generation of Red Devils.
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⚽ Final whistle
To sum it up: United are moving beyond a one-man striker experiment. They’re ready to invest in a potent, top-tier forward—even if it means letting assets go first. Romano’s intel? It’s real, it’s now, and it’s bold. Whether it’s blazing Ekitike or commanding Osimhen, Old Trafford fans may be about to witness a new spearhead in town.