Atletico Madrid reject Victor Osimhen approach with Julian Alvarez role already filled

Victor Osimhen has been offered to Atletico Madrid during the current summer transfer window, but the Spanish club have rejected the chance to sign the Galatasaray striker because they cannot finance a deal worth 75m euros and are fully committed to Julian Alvarez.

Osimhen, 27, was put forward to Atletico by intermediaries, according to Mundo Deportivo, in a move that underlined the Nigeria international’s strong desire to join the Madrid club. The forward is reported to be willing to accept a reduction in his annual salary to make a move to the Wanda Metropolitano possible.

However, Atletico are not currently able to provide the financial resources required to complete a transfer of that scale. Sources close to the club have also indicated that Osimhen would occupy the same tactical and technical role currently filled by Argentina forward Alvarez.

Atletico’s hierarchy remain completely committed to Alvarez and have no intention of selling him. That stance was an additional reason for the club to dismiss the possibility of signing Osimhen, despite the Nigerian’s interest in working under manager Diego Simeone.

Osimhen has a contract with Galatasaray until the summer of 2029. He currently earns a substantial salary at the Turkish club, with his net income significantly increased by the tax exemption available to foreign residents in Turkey during their first 20 years in the country.

The striker has previously spoken publicly about his admiration for Simeone. In January, after Galatasaray faced Atletico in the UEFA Champions League, Osimhen said: “I admire him, I have always been a fan of his coach.. I met him twice.. They play in an attacking way and have a clear identity”.

He added: “The coach has been here for many years, so the players are used to his style of play. I was very impressed by the game we played, because Atletico are one of the best teams in the world, and drawing with them shows that you are on the right path”.

Although Atletico have closed the door on a move for now, Osimhen’s services have reportedly been offered to several other leading European clubs. Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham have also been approached over a possible transfer.

Tottenham are understood to have made a formal offer worth more than 55m euros. Galatasaray rejected that proposal because it did not meet their financial demands, with the Turkish club insisting on receiving 75m euros to allow their leading striker to leave.

Osimhen’s proposed move to Atletico therefore remains blocked by two factors: the Spanish club’s current lack of available funds for the deal and its decision to build around Alvarez in the position the Nigerian would have been expected to occupy.