Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has set his sights on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as he looks to rebuild the team following a mixed 2024/25 season. Reports from Italian media say Alonso, who recently replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid, wants Osimhen to be the leading forward for the Spanish giants.
The 2024/25 campaign was disappointing for Real Madrid despite winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup under Ancelotti. The team failed to clinch LaLiga, Champions League, or Copa del Rey titles. Ancelotti has since left to coach Brazil, paving the way for Alonso to take charge.
According to TuttoJuve, Alonso has already demanded that Madrid pursue Osimhen as the club’s main striker. The Nigerian star had an impressive season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances. He helped Galatasaray secure the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup titles.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli expires next summer, and the Serie A club is keen to sell him. His release clause stands at €75 million (about £63 million), and reports suggest he wants a weekly salary of £400,000 at his next club.
Described by Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle as “the best striker in the world,” Osimhen is attracting interest from several top clubs. Besides Real Madrid, English giants Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly chasing the 26-year-old forward.
Manchester United see Osimhen as a key piece in their rebuilding plans, especially since their current strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have not been prolific goal scorers. With the Premier League’s top four battle intensifying, United want a proven goalscorer like Osimhen.
Liverpool are also eyeing Osimhen. The club is exploring a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez to bring in the Nigerian striker. Meanwhile, Galatasaray hopes to sign Osimhen permanently after his successful loan spell.
There has even been interest from Saudi club Al-Hilal, but Osimhen reportedly rejected their advances, indicating his preference to stay in Europe’s top leagues.
Real Madrid’s interest in Osimhen may come as a surprise to some, given they already have stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior leading their attack. Recent transfer talks suggest Alonso is looking for a striker who can play a supporting role, similar to Joselu, coming off the bench and providing fresh energy. Young striker Endrick is also an option for Madrid in that role.
Aside from Osimhen, Madrid have been linked with other forwards like Roberto Firmino and Rasmus Hojlund. Meanwhile, the club also aims to boost its midfield, with reports that Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi is a target. Arsenal, in turn, is interested in signing one of Madrid’s key players this summer.
In another twist, Spanish media suggest that a former Liverpool player could also be on Madrid’s radar this transfer window, adding more intrigue to their summer plans.
With competition fierce from England and Turkey, Real Madrid will need to move quickly if they want to secure Victor Osimhen’s signature and strengthen their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season.
