Atletico Madrid Reject Offer to Sign Osimhen from Galatasaray

Atletico Madrid decline opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen despite striker’s willingness to accept salary reduction for transfer.

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly declined the opportunity to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen from Turkish champions Galatasaray despite the Nigerian expressing a willingness to reduce his salary to complete the move.

According to reports from Club Uria, as cited by Goal, Galatasaray offered Osimhen to Atletico Madrid through intermediaries during the current transfer window in a deal valued at approximately €75 million.

Despite the availability of the Nigerian international, Atletico decided against pursuing the transfer, citing financial considerations and the club’s current squad structure.

The report indicated that the Madrid-based club is not in a position to commit such a significant amount during the ongoing transfer window, making the proposed deal financially unrealistic.

Another major factor behind the decision is Atletico’s confidence in Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, who currently occupies the central attacking role in Diego Simeone’s team.

Club officials are reportedly satisfied with Alvarez’s performances and have no plans to replace or sell him, reducing the need to recruit another high-profile striker.

Osimhen, however, is said to have shown strong interest in joining Atletico Madrid and was reportedly prepared to accept a reduction in his current wages to secure the move.

The 27-year-old currently earns a lucrative salary at Galatasaray, with his overall income boosted by favourable tax conditions available to foreign players in Turkey.

His reported willingness to accept lower earnings has been interpreted as a clear indication of his desire to play under Simeone and compete in La Liga.

Despite the player’s interest, Atletico remained firm in their decision not to proceed with negotiations, believing that the financial commitment required for the transfer was not justified under the present circumstances.

Osimhen remains under contract with Galatasaray until 2029 after completing his permanent move to the Turkish club.

While the latest development rules out a move to Atletico Madrid for now, the Nigerian striker is still expected to attract interest from other European clubs before the transfer window closes, given his reputation as one of Africa’s most prolific forwards.