The race to sign Victor Osimhen is heating up this summer, with Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Saudi giants Al Hilal all vying for the prolific Nigerian striker’s signature following his spectacular loan spell at Galatasaray, Soccernet.ng reports.
While Galatasaray keep up hope that Osimhen remains in Turkey beyond the summer, top European and Saudi clubs are reportedly close to sealing a deal for the Nigerian striker.
Real Madrid eye Victor Osimhen as Xabi Alonso’s No. 9
Victor Osimhen has emerged as a top target for Real Madrid as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to reshape the club’s attacking line-up, as per Fichajes.
After scoring 37 goals across all competitions for Galatasaray this season, the Nigerian international has rocketed to the top of Los Blancos’ shortlist.
Alonso is understood to be a long-time admirer of Osimhen’s explosive style, combining raw athleticism with smart movement and lethal finishing. With a year remaining on his Napoli contract, and following a stellar campaign in Turkey, the 26-year-old is seen as the ideal fit for the new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid officials reportedly view Osimhen as a player mature enough to lead their frontline or complement the existing attacking talent. While discussions are yet to be formalised, sources suggest the club is seriously considering meeting his €75m release clause, although competition is expected to be fierce.
Osimhen: Liverpool plot ambitious swoop
Meanwhile, Premier League champions Liverpool are quietly accelerating their pursuit of Osimhen.
Manager Arne Slot has identified the Napoli-owned forward as a key upgrade over Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota as the Reds prepare for a busy transfer window.
With Liverpool also chasing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, funds are being mobilised to add world-class talent in key areas.
Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Osimhen is one of the strikers being discussed at Anfield.
While the Merseysiders have made no official bid yet, club insiders believe a deal for Osimhen — despite his wage demands — may be more feasible than landing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
Al Hilal go all in – Inzaghi’s personal call to convince Osimhen
In the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal are making a bold move.
Just hours after Simone Inzaghi was confirmed as head coach, the former Inter Milan boss has taken personal charge of negotiations, placing a direct call to Osimhen to convince him of a move to Riyadh.
The Saudi champions have submitted an opening bid of €65m plus €5m in add-ons, falling slightly short of the €75m clause, according to Football-Italia.
However, they remain confident of reaching an agreement quickly as they aim to seal the deal before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where Al Hilal are scheduled to face Real Madrid in the USA.
Osimhen’s camp is understood to be considering all options carefully. While a move to the Middle East would come with a significant pay rise — potentially upwards of £400,000 per week — the Nigerian striker is believed to prioritise remaining in European football for now.
Osimhen’s proven goal record — including six goals in seven Europa League matches this season — makes him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers this summer. As the transfer window unfolds, the battle for his signature could again be one of the summer’s defining sagas.