Manchester United Target Three Premier League Veterans as Free Agent Striker Reinforcements
Manchester United have reportedly been offered the opportunity to acquire three seasoned Premier League strikers: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jamie Vardy, and Callum Wilson. It remains uncertain whether they will pursue any of these potential signings.
United's requirement for additional offensive strength is glaringly obvious. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo shared the distinction of being the club's top Premier League scorers last season with a meager total of eight goals each.
The sole team with a less impressive leading scorer was relegated Southampton, where Paul Onuachu managed only four goals—matching United's striker Rasmus Højlund's tally and exceeding Joshua Zirkzee's contribution by just one.
Ruben Amorim has facilitated Matheus Cunha's arrival and is anticipated to also bring Bryan Mbeumo into a revitalized attacking unit this summer, though the requirement for a new striker to lead these deeper-lying forwards continues.
Considering the budgetary limitations facing a United team that will not participate in European competitions during the forthcoming season, it has been proposed that the Red Devils might need to pursue a more affordably priced center-forward.
Man Utd's Free Striker Options
Stat (2024–25) | Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Jamie Vardy | Callum Wilson |
|---|---|---|---|
Age | 28 | 38 | 33 |
Minutes | 1,609 | 2,823 | 370 |
Goals | 3 | 9 | 0 |
Assists | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Days Injured | 110 | 8 | 191 |
Statistics courtesy of FBref.
Despite their disappointing 2024–25 season, United's attractiveness to players endures.
The Athletic reports that Calvert-Lewin, Vardy, and Wilson have all been "presented" to Amorim's squad after becoming available as free agents this summer. The same source expresses skepticism about any deal materializing and suggests that United would likely only consider pursuing this route late in the transfer window if they fail to secure other targets.
This represents a diverse range of possibilities. Ten years separate Calvert-Lewin (28) and Vardy (38), with Wilson positioned perfectly between them at 33. Despite his advanced age, Vardy delivered the strongest performance last season, accumulating nine goals while—equally noteworthy—making 35 starts for a Leicester City team that ultimately suffered relegation.
Wilson, conversely, received only two starting opportunities for Newcastle United, predictably unable to displace Alexander Isak after missing 20 of the season's first 24 matches due to injury. Calvert-Lewin has battled fitness issues in recent seasons, being sidelined for three straight months with a hamstring problem at the start of 2025.
Notably, there exists an alternative possibility where Calvert-Lewin could take Wilson's place at St. James's Park, with Newcastle reportedly showing interest in the English forward, according to The Telegraph.