Victor Osimhen’s explosive start to the season has once again placed him at the centre of transfer rumors, and this time, the links are coming from one of football’s biggest stages.
After making his loan move to Galatasaray permanent in the summer, Osimhen has been on fire for the Turkish champions. The Nigerian striker has scored six goals in just three UEFA Champions League games, putting him among the tournament’s top scorers and immediately reigniting interest from elite European clubs.
Now, former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has added fuel to the speculation, suggesting that Real Madrid is monitoring the 25-year-old forward.
Oliseh: “Osimhen is a Candidate for Real Madrid.”
Speaking on his Oliseh Insight Podcast, the 1994 AFCON winner claimed inside knowledge of discussions within the Spanish giants.
“Xabi Alonso is a top international figure,” Oliseh said of Madrid’s new manager. “He has proven his worth outside of Spain and is the new manager they’ve brought in.
Oliseh went further, hinting that Real Madrid may be prepared to back Alonso in any internal disputes even one involving star forward Vinicius Jr.
“Real Madrid has the luxury now to say to Vinicius, ‘Go,’ because if you leave, Mbappe can move back to his natural position. It’s not as if they lose you and lose something significant.”
He then dropped the biggest hint of all:
“There’s a lot of talk behind the scenes about the possibility of Osimhen being a candidate. I won’t reveal how I got this information, but there’s a lot of discussion. When I heard it from a top personality, I was happy for the young man.”
Vinicius’s Future Unclear
The speculation around Osimhen comes at a time when Vinicius Jr.’s future in Madrid appears less stable. The Brazilian winger has not yet agreed to a contract extension, despite his deal running until 2027. Reports in Spain have also suggested a strained relationship between Vinicius and manager Xabi Alonso, raising questions about his long-term place in the squad.
If Madrid were to consider a sale, even a high-profile one, it could open the door for a major attacking reshuffle, with Osimhen potentially fitting into the club’s evolving forward line.
Osimhen’s Stock Rising Again
Osimhen’s resurgence at Galatasaray has come at the perfect time. After a turbulent final season in Italy, the Nigerian striker looks sharper, hungrier, and more confident than ever. His dangerous combination of pace, power, and clinical finishing has made him the standout performer in the Champions League group stage so far.
Whether Real Madrid’s interest becomes concrete remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Osimhen’s name is once again echoing in Europe’s biggest boardrooms, and Sunday Oliseh believes the story is only just beginning.
