Jose Mourinho Makes Victor Osimhen Demand From Real Madrid As He Closes In on Return
- Jose Mourinho is closing in on a return to Real Madrid to become the Spanish giant’s next manager
- Madrid finished trophyless for the second consecutive season after a 2-0 loss to Barcelona on Sunday
- The Special One has reportedly submitted the name of the striker he wants as part of the negotiation
Jose Mourinho is closing in on a return to Real Madrid as the next manager starting from next season, and he has reportedly name-dropped the striker he wants.
Real Madrid finished trophyless for the second consecutive season after their 2-0 loss to Barcelona at Camp Nou confirmed their rivals’ 29th La Liga title.
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Bayern Munich eliminated Real Madrid in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League, while lower division club Albacete eliminated them from the Copa del Rey.
Madrid started the season with the highly-rated Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti, but sacked him in January, and appointed former player Alvaro Arbeloa as interim.
The disappointment has prompted a change of manager ahead of next season, which would be the coach’s fourth manager in two seasons when he arrives.
According to The Athletic, Jose Mourinho is Florentino Perez’s preferred manager, and the club has begun talks over the return of the Special One.
Mourinho is currently in charge at Portuguese club Benfica, and reportedly has a break clause of €3 million, which Los Blancos have no issue paying.
Mourinho asks Madrid to sign Osimhen
Jose Mourinho is reportedly open to returning to Real Madrid, where he previously managed between 2010 and 2013, and has given conditions for his return.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, citing reports in France, Mourinho has reportedly added signing Victor Osimhen as part of his demands to Madrid.
Osimhen and Mourinho had never worked together, though the manager has said that the striker reminds him of Didier Drogba, whom the Nigerian idolises.
Fenerbahce missed out on Osimhen when the Special One was manager, and they were opponents for one season before the Portuguese departed.
They were also opponents in the Italian Serie A when the former Chelsea manager was in charge of AS Roma, and the striker was at Napoli.
Galatasaray unwilling to sell Osimhen
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently at the start of this season for €75 million, after impressing during his loan spell in the 2024/25 season.
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There have been multiple clubs that have expressed interest in signing him, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal and others.
Galatasaray's vice president and sporting director, Abdullah Kavukcu, has expressed his desire not to sell the striker, even if a club offers €150 million.
“I wouldn't sell Osimhen for 150 million Euros, but it's a matter for our president to decide. When you sell him, you also need to find a replacement player. That's very important,” he told HT Spor via Haber Sari Kirmizi.
Engin urges Galatasaray to sell Osimhen
Legit.ng previously reported that Sinan Engin tells Galatasaray to sell Osimhen if they receive an offer in the region of €120 million for the striker.
The Turkish football commentator claimed that the striker’s level has dropped, and it is best for Galatasaray to cash in before his value tanks.
Source: Legit.ng
