Why Osimhen could be Real Madrid chief’s mystery signing

Super Eagles and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen could be on the verge of a sensational move to Real Madrid in the coming days, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the top transfer targets for the 15-time Champions League winners, alongside several other European heavyweights including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Osimhen’s impressive form has is one of the key reasons he has continued to attract interest from top clubs. Since joining Galatasaray on an initial loan deal in 2024, before the move was made permanent for a Turkish record €75 million last summer, he has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions and has helped them to win three titles.

However, the Nigerian forward has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at Galatasaray beyond this summer. The Turkish champions are also reluctant to sell their star striker, although reports suggest they would only consider offers of around €150 million for any potential transfer.

Florentino Pérez’s comments fuel Osimhen links to Real Madrid

Spanish giants Real Madrid are preparing for a decisive moment in the club’s history, with a presidential election set to take place this weekend between Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme to determine the club’s next leader.

This situation has intensified transfer speculation, with both candidates promising marquee signings in a bid to secure support and win the election.

Riquelme reportedly set sights on signing Erling Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City. Meanwhile, Pérez has also hinted at a major signing, revealing plans to bring in a statement player if he is re-elected.

“I want to share some news. On Tuesday, I will make a major offer to a Champions League club for a great player. It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid in its history, around €150 million. A clue? I can’t give one—I’m already telling you what we’re going to do”, the Real Madrid president said, via Marca.

“Olise is a great player, but it’s not Olise. Nor is it Doku… We’re going to make a significant offer, at least €150 million. The player will most likely be from midfield forward. It’s not Haaland. It’s not someone from the Premier League. The first thing we’ll do is speak with the club. It’s a signing meant to excite people, because that’s what this is about—creating excitement.”

Why Osimhen could end up at Real Madrid

Although Florentino Pérez did not directly name Victor Osimhen as his “mystery signing,” the Nigerian striker has emerged as a strong candidate for the move.

One major reason is that Pérez’s preferred managerial option is former Chelsea coach José Mourinho, who is already being considered for a return to the club. The Portuguese has long admired Osimhen and is keen on making the Super Eagles forward his ideal centre-forward option, as Madrid look to strengthen their attack ahead of next season and end their trophyless run.

Another factor is Pérez’s belief that Kylian Mbappé has been playing out of position. The Spanish giants reportedly want to move the French superstar to his preferred left-wing role, rather than through the middle where he has played since arrival at the club in 2024.

This would open the door for a natural striker and Osimhen fits the profile perfectly, especially as Pérez announced he has no interest in pursuing a move for Haaland.

Additionally, the Real Madrid president mentioned a club-record fee of €150 million for the signing, which is also the exact amount Galatasaray reportedly want before they can strike an agreement over a sale for the Super Eagles star.

While nothing is confirmed for now, if Real Madrid succeed in their move, Osimhen could become the club’s latest marquee signing next week.