Osimhen could be the replacement for Julián Álvarez

Atlético de Madrid

The possible departure of Julián Alvarez shapes much of the attacking scenario that the Atlético has in mind for next season. Simeone will not have Griezmann in the new campaign, and the Argentine striker has clubs such as PSG and Arsenal keeping an eye on his future, although within the rojiblanco camp a move to Barcelona is not being considered.

Against that backdrop, the sporting directorate has made exploratory moves for Victor Osimhen. The forward, aged 27 and an international with Nigeria, belongs to Galatasaray and is also on the agenda of several European clubs. In England, in fact, they have the Manchester United down as one of the teams most interested in securing his services.

A high-cost operation

Osimhen is under contract with Galatasaray until 2029 and has a market value of around 75 million euros. His season has produced major figures: 15 goals in the Turkish league and seven strikes in the Champions League, for a total of 33 matches played.

The Turkish club made a major bet on him in 2025, when it paid 75 million to Napoli after having previously had him on loan. That investment made him the most expensive signing in Turkish football, a detail that complicates any attempt to negotiate. His salary also does not help: he earns 15 million net per season.

The contract does not include a fixed release clause, although it does have a relevant condition linked to Italy. If Galatasaray sell the forward to a Serie A club before the summer of 2027, it will have to pay Napoli a penalty of 70 million euros.

Osimhen already crossed paths with Atlético this season in the Champions League league phase. It was the 21st of January, in Istanbul, in a match that ended 1-1 and in which he played the full game. Afterwards, on Movistar Plus Deportes, he spoke with respect about the rojiblanco team and Simeone: “I like it. I have always been a fan of his coach. I have met him a couple of times. They play in an aggressive way and they have an identity. The coach has been there for many years, so the players are used to the way they want to play. And that is why I praise so much the performance we have put in”.