Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid are reportedly considering a major summer move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as speculation intensifies around the potential departure of Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior to the Saudi Pro League. Citing Spanish outlet Fichajes, the reigning European champions are already planning for life without their talismanic forward and have identified Osimhen as a prime candidate to reshape their frontline.
The rumors come amid growing concerns over the compatibility between Vinicius and soon-to-arrive French superstar Kylian Mbappe, whose long-anticipated transfer to the Santiago Bernab�u appears all but confirmed. Real Madrid president Florentino P�rez is reportedly open to listening to offers for Vinicius, especially as clubs in Saudi Arabia prepare a world-record transfer package that could see the 24-year-old become the highest-paid player in football history.
Vinicius, who has scored 104 goals and registered 77 assists in 308 appearances for Los Blancos, has experienced a dip in form this season, culminating in a subdued performance during Madrid�s shock 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. The defeat is said to have accelerated internal discussions at the club about reconfiguring their attacking options ahead of next season.
Reports from Spain suggest that a Saudi Pro League club is ready to table an astronomical �300 million (�255 million) bid for Vinicius, alongside a five-year contract offer reportedly worth a staggering �200 million (�170 million) per season. Should such a deal materialize, it would comfortably eclipse the current world record and provide Madrid with a massive financial cushion to reinvest in a new attacking spearhead.
At the top of their wish list is Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian forward currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray. The 26-year-old has taken the Turkish Super Lig by storm, scoring 28 goals and providing five assists in just 32 appearances across all competitions this season. His electric pace, physical presence, and eye for goal have reignited interest from Europe�s elite clubs, and Real Madrid see him as the ideal complement to Mbappe, who is expected to operate from the left wing in Carlo Ancelotti�s revamped attack.
Osimhen remains under contract with Serie A side Napoli, where he built a reputation as one of Europe�s deadliest strikers. During his time in Italy, he racked up 76 goals and 12 assists in 133 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Napoli�s historic 2022/23 Serie A title win�their first in 33 years. Although still officially a Napoli player, Osimhen is widely expected to leave the club permanently this summer, with a price tag believed to be in the region of �72 million (�62 million). Real Madrid, bolstered by the potential Vinicius windfall, would have no difficulty meeting that valuation.
However, the Spanish giants are not alone in their pursuit. Manchester United have reportedly submitted a formal bid for Osimhen as part of their own summer rebuild, and the Red Devils� chances have improved following Chelsea�s decision to exit the race. The London club have instead shifted their attention to Sporting CP�s Viktor Gy�keres and RB Leipzig�s Benjamin �e�ko, narrowing the field for Osimhen�s signature.
Napoli, for their part, are believed to be willing to reduce their initial �75 million asking price for Premier League clubs in a bid to prevent the striker from joining direct Serie A rivals Juventus. The Turin-based side are understood to be tracking Osimhen as a possible replacement for Serbian forward Du�an Vlahovi?, who is reportedly being eyed by several clubs in England and Germany.
Despite Galatasaray�s clear interest in turning Osimhen�s loan move into a permanent deal, the striker has in the past expressed his desire to play in the Premier League�a factor that could weigh heavily in Manchester United�s favor. Nonetheless, the allure of playing at the Bernab�u, alongside the likes of Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, could sway Osimhen�s decision toward Spain, especially given Real Madrid�s track record of nurturing global superstars.
Osimhen initially joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan after a proposed transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli fell through last summer. Since arriving in Turkey, he has become a fan favorite and a key figure in Galatasaray�s title push, helping them secure a three-point lead at the top of the league table with only a handful of games remaining.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Victor Osimhen�s signature is expected to heat up, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and potentially Juventus all poised to make decisive moves. For Madrid, securing the Nigerian international could be a masterstroke, ushering in a new era of attacking firepower as they prepare to bid farewell to one of their most iconic players of recent years.
