Spanish giant Real Madrid is reportedly exploring a costly move for Galatasaray's 26-year-old Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, preparing a bid exceeding €100 million ($115.28 million) to the Turkish side as part of its plan to reconfigure its attacking lineup, Spanish media reported.
Real Madrid sees Osimhen as a key piece in its long-term strategy, with club officials targeting his aggressive, instinctive style to fulfill their need for a dynamic and consistent goal-scorer, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The potential transfer would allow Real's French star Kylian Mbappe to return to his preferred position on the left wing, freeing him from central responsibilities that have limited his effectiveness in recent matches, the report suggested. Club officials reportedly view Osimhen as the ideal center-forward to provide immediate goal-scoring impact and physical presence in the box.
The striker has maintained a high level of performance since joining Galatasaray, where he has quickly become a central figure in both domestic and UEFA Champions League competitions, scoring nine goals in 12 matches.
Should the deal proceed, Madrid believes Mbappe would regain the fluidity that characterized his most productive years, while the squad would benefit from a more defined and balanced attacking structure, it added.
However, the report also noted that the main obstacle to the transfer lies in Galatasaray’s financial expectations, as the Lions spent €75 million ($86.46 million) for his move to Istanbul in this season's summer transfer window from Italian club Napoli. Previous reports from the Turkish media claimed that the club set Osimhen's potential move at €140 million and decided not to negotiate any lower offers.
The report also stated that Real Madrid anticipates the deal could exceed €100 million, particularly if other top European clubs enter the race. The Nigerian striker has previously been linked with Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester United, and PSG, along with growing reported interest from Saudi clubs.
He does not have a release clause in his contract, which runs until 2029.