Manchester United are vying to sign a striker this summer but so far, little progress has been made in Erik ten Hag’s quest to land a new marquee No 9. The Red Devils are prioritising a statement acquisition in attack but with Harry Kane seemingly off the table, fresh targets must now fall under consideration.
United are firm admirers of both Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen but their valuations mean they’re currently out of reach.
Frankfurt are looking for upwards of £70million for Kolo Muani while Napoli want over £100m for Serie A Golden Boot winner Osimhen, price tags that are currently deemed unrealistic.
Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund is an active option that remains in play but with United struggling to make progress, it is now time for other targets to be explored.
Express Sport analyses four left-field centre-forward options from across Europe that could be worth considering this summer at Old Trafford.
Folarin Balogun
It’s a transfer that could prove controversial but with Arsenal unlikely to hand Balogun a pathway into their starting XI next season – due to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah – the USMNT striker could be forced to pursue a move elsewhere despite his desire to make the grade in north London.
Balogun struck 21 times in 37 Ligue 1 outings this season while on loan at Stade Reims and his value has now sky-rocketed after demonstrating his goal-scoring ability in a top-five European league.
His potential is there for all to see at just 21 years of age and if United were bold enough to make their move, they could have a real talent on their hands. The counter-argument is that Arsenal would surely think twice before offloading the player to a direct rival.
Furthermore, it’s perhaps not realistic to suggest United would move for Balogun when Hojlund is currently on their list of active targets, given they are a similar age and of similar value.
Nonetheless, Balogun could prove to be a really crafty addition for the Red Devils particularly if they gave him a platform to kick-start his Premier League career with regular minutes. He is a natural goalscorer that has the credentials to deliver big numbers should his development be managed correctly.
Of course, United need a striker that can deliver big numbers now, so this is a signing that would probably disappoint the club’s fanbase should no other high-profile forward arrive in the upcoming transfer window. Nonetheless, it’s an option worth considering.
Lois Openda
Lois Openda is another player that shone in Ligue 1 last season, netting the same amount of goals as Balogun (21) as he fired Lens into the Champions League.
Openda, 23, is slightly more experienced than the Arsenal starlet, however, having already played in Europe’s elite club competition with Club Brugge.
The Belgian has also hit big numbers in the Eredivisie where he managed 29 goals across two seasons with Vitesse before moving to France.
RB Leipzig have already agreed personal terms with Openda ahead of a potential transfer but if the deal fails to materialise, he is another option worth considering for United.
Dusan Vlahovic
A deal that would surely prove more popular amongst United supporters, even though he would likely cost double the price of both Balogun and Openda, respectively.
Vlahovic largely disappointed in his first full season with Juventus – netting just 10 Serie A goals – following his £67m transfer from Fiorentina in January 2022.
Yet he is still one of Europe’s best young strikers even if his numbers have been somewhat underwhelming in Turin following his electric breakthrough with Fiorentina.
The Serbian would represent somewhat of a risk but at the same time, he is vastly experienced and has a profile that would suit United’s style.
He can play both with his back to goal and in behind, where he has the finishing qualities to score plenty of goals within United’s system.
Jonathan David
David is another name appreciated by Leipzig – like Balogun and Openda – but he is a talent that United ought to consider given he is very much affordable.
The Canadian has managed 52 goals in the past three seasons in Ligue 1 having moved to Lille in 2020 from Gent.
He has improved season upon season and now looks ready to make the next step in his career.
Whether he is up to the task of becoming United’s attacking talisman is another question altogether but the important factor is that David won’t cost a premium fee which would allow United to spend funds on other areas of their squad.
His speed, movement and finishing would be a great fit for this United squad and his current numbers suggest he has the potential to explode in the Premier League when playing with better players.
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