Reports say Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been offered to Atletico Madrid by intermediaries, but the Spanish club have rejected the approach because of financial concerns and their commitment to Julian Alvarez.
Osimhen, 27, is currently with Turkish club Galatasaray and was made available for a reported €75m during the current summer transfer window. The proposal is understood to reflect the striker’s strong desire to join Atletico and play at the Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Osimhen would be willing to accept a reduction in his annual salary to make a move to Diego Simeone’s side possible. The Nigeria international currently earns a substantial wage at Galatasaray, helped by the tax exemption available to foreign residents in Turkey during their first 20 years in the country. That arrangement significantly increases his net income.
Osimhen remains under contract with Galatasaray until the summer of 2029, giving the Turkish club a strong negotiating position. Galatasaray are standing by their valuation of €75m for a player regarded as one of the leading strikers in European football.
The forward has openly expressed his admiration for Simeone. After Galatasaray faced Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in January, Osimhen praised the Argentine manager and the identity established by his team.
“I admire him, I have always been a fan of his coach… I have met him twice… They play an attacking style and have a clear identity,” Osimhen said.
“The coach has been here for many years, so the players are used to his style of play. I was very impressed by the match we played because Atletico are one of the best teams in the world, and drawing with them shows that you are on the right path.”
Despite the player’s willingness to consider a move, Atletico decided not to proceed because they do not currently have the financial resources required to complete a deal of that size.
Sources close to the club also indicated that Osimhen would occupy the same tactical role currently filled by Argentina forward Julian Alvarez. Atletico’s hierarchy remain fully committed to Alvarez and have no intention of selling him, which provided an additional reason for the club to dismiss the possibility of signing Osimhen.
The Nigerian’s availability has reportedly attracted interest beyond Atletico. He has also been offered to Barcelona, as well as Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham.
Tottenham have submitted a formal offer worth more than €55m, but Galatasaray rejected it because it fell short of their financial demands. The Turkish club are insisting on receiving €75m before agreeing to part with their striker.
Osimhen’s proposed move to Atletico therefore faces two significant obstacles: the cost of the transfer and the presence of Alvarez in the position the Nigeria international would be expected to occupy. While Osimhen is prepared to make a financial concession to pursue a move to the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico’s current stance is that the deal does not fit either their budget or their sporting plans.
