Victor Osimhen: Real Madrid & Barcelona snub Nigeria star – 3 reasons Mourinho could regret this more

Victor Osimhen’s dream of playing for one of Spain’s biggest clubs appears to be over for this summer after both Barcelona and Real Madrid decided against signing the Super Eagles striker, Afrik-Foot reports.

Barcelona have ruled themselves out of the race because of financial concerns, while Real Madrid chose to strengthen their squad with a younger and cheaper option instead of making a blockbuster move for the Nigerian forward.

The decisions leave Galatasaray striker Osimhen with Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, now leading the chase for his signature before the transfer window closes.

Why Barcelona and Real Madrid walked away

Barcelona had monitored Osimhen for months as they searched for a long-term replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. However, the Catalan club concluded that a deal would be too difficult to complete.

The biggest obstacle was the striker’s reported salary demands. Osimhen is believed to want around €15 million net per season, which would cost Barcelona close to €30 million gross annually under Spain’s tax system. With La Liga’s strict financial regulations still limiting the club’s spending, matching those wages was considered impossible.

Barcelona also reportedly had concerns about protecting the harmony inside Hansi Flick’s dressing room. Sporting director Deco and club officials preferred not to risk upsetting a squad that dominated Spanish football last season.

Instead, the La Liga champions have focused on Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez as their preferred long-term target, while Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović also remains on their shortlist.

Real Madrid also resisted making a move despite speculation linking Osimhen with the Santiago Bernabéu following Gonzalo García’s transfer to Fulham.

Rather than spending heavily on one of Europe’s most expensive strikers, José Mourinho and club president Florentino Pérez moved quickly to sign 21-year-old Carlos Espí from Levante. The young Spaniard was identified as the physical centre-forward Mourinho wanted after Joselu’s departure, giving Madrid another attacking option without disrupting the club’s wage structure.

Madrid were also unwilling to hand Osimhen, who seemingly has been snubbed by Chelsea, a salary that could upset the balance among stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior.

Reasons Mourinho could regret passing on Osimhen

Despite Madrid’s financial logic, choosing Carlos Espí over Osimhen carries significant risks, especially after Barcelona finished 14 points clear to win La Liga title last term.

Madrid may lack the striker to hurt Barcelona’s high defensive line

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona dominated Spain by playing with an aggressive high defensive line. Osimhen’s greatest strength is his explosive pace and perfectly timed runs behind defenders.

Those qualities would have made Osimhen nearly unstoppable during the blockbuster El Clásico clashes. Barcelona defenders Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez would be forced to defend deeper, creating more space for Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Espí offers aerial strength and physical presence, but he does not possess Osimhen’s ability to stretch defences over long distances or punish teams in transition.

Osimhen offers proven goals while Espí is still developing

Osimhen has already delivered at the highest level of European football, scoring consistently in domestic leagues and the UEFA Champions League before becoming Galatasaray’s record signing. Espí, meanwhile, enjoyed an encouraging season with Levante, scoring 11 La Liga goals, but he is still adapting to elite-level expectations.

If injuries or poor form affect Madrid’s established attackers, Mourinho could find himself relying on a young striker who is still learning, rather than an experienced goalscorer capable of deciding major matches.

Madrid passed on a statement signing after losing the title

Barcelona did not simply win La Liga last season, they dominated it.

Flick’s side finished with a perfect 19 wins from 19 home league matches, defeated Real Madrid in the decisive Clásico that sealed the title, and lifted the Spanish Super Cup after another victory over their biggest rivals.

Following such a disappointing campaign, many expected Madrid to respond with a major signing capable of immediately changing the balance of power.

Instead, the club chose financial discipline over a headline-grabbing move for Osimhen. If Barcelona remain dominant this season while Osimhen shines elsewhere, questions will inevitably be asked about whether Mourinho and the Madrid board missed the chance to sign one of the world’s most dangerous strikers.