Real Madrid are allegedly weighing up a €100m (£88m) offer for Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen should Vinicius Jr fail to sign a new contract.
The Brazilian was the main man for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 season, helping them to a Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund.
Individually, he pitted himself against Manchester City’s Rodri in the race for the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards. Whilst he fell short of the Spaniard, many still believe the award should have gone to him.
The following season, Kylian Mbappe arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, and immediately, the 25-year-old saw himself decrease in rank as the Frenchman became Madrid’s poster boy.
Vinicius’s fall-out at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s head coach just before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Mbappe was injured for most of the tournament, so his absence papered over the cracks as Gonzalo Garcia started most games for the record Champions League winners.
However, the Spanish manager revealed everyone would have to fight for their space going into the new La Liga season. Whilst Mbappe has started all of Madrid’s games this season, Vinicius has had to come from the bench on several occasions. Even when he starts, he is usually taken off after the 70-minute mark, whilst the former PSG forward stays on.
This slight show of favouritism was on display especially during Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, where Vinicius made his displeasure evident, largely because he was having a very good game against the Catalans. Alonso chose to remain aloof on the touchline, but addressed the issue later in a press conference, stating the winger apologised.
The record Spanish champions are currently at a crossroads with Vinicius Jr over a new deal. His contract with the club runs until June 2027.
In a report published by Sky Sports, the 45-cap Brazil international has told Real Madrid that he does not want to renew his contract whilst his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains so strained.
Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have been alerted by the situation and are keeping their eyes out for further developments.
Madrid eyeing £88m move for Victor Osimhen?
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Osimhen is on Real Madrid’s radar. The move is reportedly gaining more traction as part of the plan to free up Kylian Mbappe from his role as a centre-forward and return him to his natural position on the left wing, only if Vinicius fails to sign a new deal.
The club hierarchy believe that whilst they have defensive problems, some of their issues would have been sorted if they had a consolidated striker who possesses lethal goalscoring ability whilst having a physical presence in the box, as none of Madrid’s attackers are particularly strong in the air.
Osimhen fits the bill perfectly. Since moving to Turkey last season, the 26-year-old has scored 46 goals and provided seven assists in 53 games across all competitions for Galatasaray.
However, the Spanish side will face a significant obstacle should they officially pursue the former Napoli man. Okan Buruk’s side paid €75m (£64m) to secure Osimhen from Napoli, and will not be willing to let him go without making a substantial profit.
Real Madrid know that the operation could easily surpass €100m (£88m), but they consider the investment as strategic, believing that the Nigerian forward could have an immediate impact both on and off the pitch.
Another hurdle would be convincing the player to choose Madrid. Whilst the club boast a huge history and plethora of trophies, Osimhen has made it clear that Galatasaray holds a special place in his heart.
Still, it will be interesting to see how the deal pans out, as Vinicius can still make a U-turn on his contract situation if things even out with Alonso.
This article was originally published on Soccernet.
