By Agboola Aluko, reporting for GLiDE NEWS
S panish football powerhouse Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, amid growing speculation that Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior could be on his way to Saudi Arabia in what may become a world-record transfer.
With Vinicius potentially commanding a fee of €300 million and reportedly offered a staggering €200 million per season in wages over five years by Saudi suitors, Real Madrid are preparing for a major reshuffle in attack. Reports from Fichajes suggest that tensions surrounding his on-field compatibility with Kylian Mbappé—and a poor run of form, including a lacklustre showing in Madrid’s 3–0 Champions League quarter-final first leg loss to Arsenal—have fast-tracked internal conversations at the Bernabéu.
Osimhen the Top Target
Victor Osimhen, currently enjoying a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray, has emerged as Madrid’s first-choice replacement. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker has scored 28 goals and contributed five assists in 32 appearances this season, helping the Turkish champions to a narrow lead atop the Super Lig.
Although still contracted to Napoli, Osimhen is widely expected to leave the Italian club this summer. Madrid believe they could secure his services for around €72 million, a fee comfortably covered by the potential Vinicius windfall.
Premier League Clubs Also in the Race
Real Madrid will have to fend off serious interest from Manchester United, who have already submitted a formal bid for the striker. With Chelsea pulling out of the race to pursue other options such as Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, United have a clear run—although Madrid’s pedigree and the chance to spearhead an attack alongside Mbappé could tilt Osimhen’s decision.
Napoli, eager to avoid selling Osimhen to Serie A rivals Juventus, are open to reducing their €75 million asking price for non-Italian clubs. Juventus, meanwhile, see Osimhen as a prime replacement for Dusan Vlahovic.
Galatasaray Hopeful, But Osimhen Eyes Premier League
Galatasaray remain keen to make the loan move permanent, impressed by Osimhen’s immediate impact and professionalism. However, the striker has consistently voiced his ambition to play in the English Premier League, placing United—and perhaps a late-surging Arsenal—on alert.
Osimhen’s stock has risen sharply since his breakthrough 2022/23 campaign, when he fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, scoring 76 goals and providing 12 assists in 133 appearances during his time at the club.
A move to Real Madrid, however, could alter the trajectory of his career entirely, especially with Mbappé likely to move to his preferred left-wing role, leaving Osimhen as the central spearhead of a new-look Galácticos attack.
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