3 reasons Victor Osimhen is perfect Real Madrid signing after García’s €40m Fulham move

Real Madrid’s decision to sell academy striker Gonzalo García to Premier League club Fulham has opened an important gap in José Mourinho’s squad ahead of the new season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Spanish giants agreed a deal worth €40 million (£34.3m), with another €2 million available in performance-related bonuses. Madrid also protected themselves by including a 30% sell-on clause and matching rights should Gonzalo attract interest in the future. Fulham, now managed by former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, also moved to sign Castilla midfielder César Palacios for €10 million, taking the total value of both transfers to around €50 million.

Although Gonzalo scored six La Liga goals despite playing mainly as a substitute behind Kylian Mbappé last season, the financial package proved too good for Madrid to reject.

His exit, however, has left Mourinho without a traditional centre-forward. While Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Endrick offer pace, movement and creativity, none naturally plays as a physical No. 9 capable of leading the line and dominating central defenders.

According to reports, Real Madrid are now looking for a striker who can offer the same type of impact Joselu delivered during his spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. Among the names that fit that profile, Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen stands out as one of the strongest options. Here are the reasons why.

Osimhen gives Real Madrid the traditional No. 9 they currently lack

Real Madrid’s attack is filled with players who enjoy drifting into wide areas or dropping deep to collect possession. Mbappé is most dangerous attacking from the left, while Vinícius also prefers operating on that flank. Even Endrick likes using his movement rather than acting as a fixed target inside the penalty area.

Osimhen, who is also on the radar of Atletico Madrid, offers something completely different. The Premier League-linked Nigerian striker thrives as a classic centre-forward. He stays high up the pitch, occupies both centre-backs and constantly battles defenders inside the box. His presence immediately gives teammates more room to operate because defenders are forced to stay close to him.

Another major strength is his aerial ability. Since Joselu left Madrid, the club has lacked a genuine threat from crosses and set-pieces. Osimhen’s remarkable leap, timing and heading ability would provide an extra attacking weapon, especially against La Liga teams that defend with deep defensive blocks.

That physical presence also gives Mourinho another tactical option when Madrid need a goal late in matches.

His movement would create more space for Jude Bellingham and Madrid’s stars

One of Osimhen’s biggest qualities is his intelligent movement without the ball. He constantly attacks the spaces behind defenders, forcing entire backlines to retreat towards their own goal. That movement stretches opposing teams vertically and creates larger pockets of space between midfield and defence.

Those openings are exactly where Jude Bellingham has become so dangerous since arriving in Madrid. The England midfielder has built his reputation on making late runs into the penalty area, while Federico Valverde also excels at attacking from deeper positions.

With Osimhen pinning defenders and dragging them away from central areas, both midfielders would receive more freedom to attack the edge of the box. His movement would also benefit Mbappé and Vinícius, who would enjoy more one-on-one situations against full-backs instead of constantly facing crowded central defences.

Rather than taking opportunities away from Madrid’s stars, Osimhen’s presence could help create even more chances for them.

Mourinho’s high-intensity style perfectly suits Osimhen

Modern football demands much more than goals from a centre-forward, and Osimhen has repeatedly shown he is willing to work tirelessly without the ball. The Super Eagles striker is known for pressing defenders aggressively, chasing loose balls and forcing opponents into mistakes high up the pitch. Those qualities fit perfectly with Mourinho’s demand for discipline and hard work from every player.

Osimhen is equally dangerous once possession is won. His explosive pace allows him to lead fast counter-attacks, making him an ideal partner for quick attackers like Mbappé and Vinícius. Whether Real Madrid are dominating possession in La Liga or playing on the counter against Europe’s biggest clubs in the UEFA Champions League, Osimhen possesses the speed, strength and finishing ability to thrive in both situations.

At 27, with years of experience in Serie A, European competition and international football with Nigeria, he also offers the maturity Madrid would want from a striker expected to contribute immediately.

If Real Madrid are truly searching for a proven, physical and modern No. 9 to replace Gonzalo García’s profile, Victor Osimhen checks almost every tactical box.