Six top-class strikers set for big summer transfers | OneFootball

Centre-forwards often command the biggest transfer fees and there’s likely to be plenty of cash splashed on number nines this summer.

With some of Europe’s biggest teams in the market for striker signings, expect some headline deals to be made. Goalscoring, after all, is often cited as the most difficult task in football.

We’ve looked at some of the names expected to move and those who are set to dominate the transfer headlines this summer. Here are six strikers set for big summer transfers.

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen was at the centre of the transfer window last summer, but an expected marquee move failed to materialise. After a fallout with Napoli, Osimhen held talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli and Chelsea without reaching an agreement. As the European window slammed shut, options became limited, and Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan in a shock deal.

The Super Eagles striker has only enhanced his reputation in Turkey, where he’s scored 26 goals in 30 games across all competitions and is the Süper Lig’s leading scorer. A release clause of €75m (£62.7m) looks unfeasible for the Turkish champions, who internally have accepted a permanent deal looks difficult.

Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League sides are keen on the 26-year-old, who was the league’s leading scorer as Napoli won Serie A in 2022/23.

Viktor Gyokeres

The rise of Viktor Gyokeres has been meteoric. In less than two seasons, the Swedish striker has risen from England’s second tier to a status as arguably the most coveted centre-forward in Europe.

Gyokeres has been a revelation at Sporting Lisbon, where he’s plundered goals in Portuguese football at a rapid rate. He’s surpassed 40 goals in successive seasons for Sporting, where he was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year in the club’s title success last season. There’s a good chance Gyokeres could replicate those feats this time around and he has averaged almost a goal-per-game in all competitions this season.

The 26-year-old has a release clause of €100m (£83.6m) in Lisbon but there’s an expectation that Sporting will deal for significantly less. Almost every leading club in Europe has tracked his progress.

Jonathan David

Clubs across Europe will spend fortunes on forwards this summer, but Jonathan David might represent the best value of the lot. Available as a free agent after turning down a new deal at Lille, his expiring contract has led to a competitive chase for his signature.

David has scored 107 goals in 224 appearances for Lille and proved his ability on the big stage with nine goals in 14 European games for the French side this season. At international level, he’s already Canada’s record scorer despite only celebrating his 25th birthday earlier this year.

He’s averaged 16 league goals per season since arriving in Europe in 2018 and has posted better than a goal every other game for the national team. It’s the sort of quality that’s not often available for free.

Dusan Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic is edging towards the exit door at Juventus, who are rumoured to be ready to cash in on the Serbian striker. A €70m signing from Fiorentina three years ago, Vlahovic has failed to reach the heights expected despite a respectable record in Turin.

The towering target-man has 42 goals in 97 league appearances for the Bianconeri, but recently lost his place in the side to Randal Kolo Muani. With Juventus keen to sign the latter on a permanent deal, Vlahovic could be sacrificed as he enters the final 12 months of his deal this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old.

Much could depend on who is announced as the new head coach at Juventus. Igor Tudor has taken charge on an interim basis after Thiago Motta’s dismissal.

Hugo Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt are masters of unearthing, nurturing and selling on goalscoring talent.

Andre Silva, Luka Jovic, Sebastien Haller, Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush have all earned the German side big fees after impressing in Frankfurt.

Next to do so could be Hugo Ekitike.

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, clubs are already enquiring into the free-scoring Frenchman. The 22-year-old has 19 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit and has stepped up impressively since Marmoush’s mid-season exit to Manchester City.

Ekitike combines a tall wiry frame with elastic footwork and mobility, earning comparisons to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. Several sides are interested in a mega-money deal for the latter but could turn their attention to Ekitike if the Magpies rebuff all bids.

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko snubbed interest from the Premier League in favour of signing a new deal at RB Leipzig last summer.

There’s understood to be a gentleman’s agreement between the Slovenian striker and Leipzig, however, if bids in excess of €70m arrive this summer. That does not seem unreasonable for a player recognised as one of the best centre-forward prospects in Europe.

Sesko has scored 35 goals in 78 games since joining Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg and, at 21, is yet to reach his ceiling. He boasts a 6ft 5in frame, huge athletic capacity and thunderous shooting off either foot – hallmarks of a potentially elite goalscorer.

Leipzig will want to keep him for at least another campaign but big bids are expected in the summer.

Read – The 10 best centre-backs in the world right now

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