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Victor Osimhen has reportedly become Jose Mourinho’s priority transfer target as the Portuguese coach edges closer to a dramatic return to Real Madrid ahead of next season, Footynaija reports.
According to reports from Spain and Turkey, Mourinho has informed the Madrid hierarchy that signing the Nigerian striker would be a major part of his rebuilding plans if he takes charge at the Santiago Bernabeu for a second spell.
Real Madrid are searching for answers after another disappointing campaign ended without silverware. Their 2-0 defeat to Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday confirmed a second consecutive trophyless season and handed their rivals a 29th La Liga title.
Victor Osimhen was caught offside six times, had six shots off target and missed five big chances against Antalyaspor, all of which are the most of any player in a single Super Lig fixture this season. 😬
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 11, 2026
He still managed to win the Player of the Match award. 👏 pic.twitter.com/dYs0t5s7Mi
The pressure has continued to grow around the club following their Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich and a shock Copa del Rey elimination by second-tier side Albacete.
Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti last summer, lasted only a few months before being dismissed in January after poor domestic form. Former defender Alvaro Arbeloa has since overseen the team on an interim basis.
Club president Florentino Perez is now believed to be considering Mourinho as the man to steady the club again. The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Roma manager is currently in charge of Benfica, with reports claiming Madrid are prepared to pay his €3 million release clause.
Mourinho’s interest in Osimhen is not new. The 63-year-old has repeatedly praised the Super Eagles forward in recent years and once compared him to Didier Drogba because of his power, aggression and movement in attack.
🇳🇬✨ John Obi Mikel in Istanbul visiting some friends… Jose Mourinho and Victor Osimhen! pic.twitter.com/lffZMe8KR6
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) January 24, 2025
Madrid are still searching for a reliable central striker following Karim Benzema’s departure in 2023. Although Kylian Mbappe arrived with huge expectations, there is growing belief that the France captain is more effective operating from the left wing rather than through the middle.
Osimhen’s performances at Galatasaray have only increased his value. Since completing a permanent €75 million move to the Turkish club, the 27-year-old has scored 15 league goals and added seven more in the UEFA Champions League.
However, Galatasaray remain determined to keep him despite strong interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
Vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu recently admitted the club would struggle to replace the Nigerian even if an offer of €150 million arrived.
Osimhen, at the weekend, led Galatasaray to a fourth consecutive league title, the second time in history the club would achieved that milestone.
