NO ROOM FOR MBAPPÉ? Real Madrid target Osimhen on Alonso’s orders – €75m deal validated

The winds of change are blowing strong at Real Madrid, and Xabi Alonso is at the center of it all. After a season that left much to be desired, the club is preparing for a fresh era under the guidance of their former midfield maestro. The 2024/25 campaign ended in disappointment for Los Blancos, with only the Intercontinental Cup added to the trophy cabinet, while major honors like La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey slipped through their fingers.

Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to take charge of the Brazilian national team marked the end of an era. His replacement, Xabi Alonso, returns to the club with a new vision and a bold ambition to reshape Real Madrid’s attack. And at the top of his transfer wishlist? None other than Victor Osimhen.

According to reports from TuttoJuve, Alonso wasted no time in issuing his first major transfer request upon his appointment. He has made it clear to club president Florentino Pérez and the board that he wants Osimhen to be the face of his new-look attack. It’s a decision that has caught many by surprise—especially given Real Madrid’s already star-studded offensive lineup.

Osimhen, who spent the past season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been nothing short of sensational. The Nigerian forward scored 37 goals and registered 8 assists in just 41 appearances, helping the Turkish giants secure a domestic double. His form has reignited interest across Europe, and now he is firmly in the sights of the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 25-year-old striker is entering the final year of his contract with Napoli, and the Serie A champions are ready to cash in. A release clause of €75 million has been confirmed, and Real Madrid are reportedly willing to meet it. Osimhen, for his part, is said to be demanding a weekly salary of £400,000—an amount that reflects his growing stature in world football.

TuttoJuve’s report adds that Alonso has personally greenlit the move, identifying Osimhen as the perfect striker to lead Real Madrid’s next generation. “Xabi Alonso wants Victor Osimhen to become Real Madrid’s new attacking leader,” the outlet reported, adding that the Spanish coach sees the Nigerian as the final piece in the puzzle.

Yet Osimhen’s signature won’t come easy. Interest from across Europe is heating up. Manchester United are reportedly eyeing him as the ideal addition to their frontline as they undergo a rebuild under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils are losing patience with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom have underperformed. A striker of Osimhen’s calibre could be the missing link in their bid to return to the Premier League’s elite.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia had previously approached Osimhen with a lucrative offer. But the striker turned it down, signaling his preference to remain in European football. Galatasaray, eager to make his move permanent, are still hopeful. Liverpool have also been linked with a potential swap deal involving Darwin Núñez.

What makes Real Madrid’s pursuit of Osimhen intriguing is the timing—and the players they already have. Kylian Mbappé has just joined the club and is expected to be a focal point in the attack alongside Vinícius Jr. The two are widely regarded as the most dynamic forward duo in world football today. So, where exactly would Osimhen fit in?

Alonso’s strategy appears to involve building an unpredictable and multi-dimensional front line. While Mbappé and Vinícius operate best on the wings or in deeper forward roles, Osimhen is a pure No. 9—a central striker with a killer instinct. Real Madrid have lacked a true centre-forward since Karim Benzema’s departure, and Alonso may see Osimhen as the heir to that legacy.

There’s also the question of Endrick, the Brazilian teenage sensation who will join the first team next season. Still just 18, Endrick is regarded as a future superstar. But the club might be cautious about placing too much responsibility on his young shoulders too soon. With Osimhen leading the line, Endrick can be eased into the squad and nurtured properly.

Real Madrid’s interest in Roberto Firmino and Rasmus Højlund earlier this year suggests that Alonso has been searching for the right profile—a mix of experience, power, and clinical finishing. Joselu, the current backup, may remain a squad option, but he’s unlikely to be seen as a long-term solution.

Osimhen’s arrival could also influence the structure of Real Madrid’s midfield. With Jude Bellingham thriving in an advanced role, Alonso could opt for a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 system that allows Bellingham to play behind Osimhen, flanked by Vinícius and Mbappé. Such a setup would give Real a frightening attacking quartet.

The potential signing also sends a message to the rest of Europe. Despite already boasting one of the strongest squads on the continent, Real Madrid are not resting on their laurels. They are aiming for total domination—and Osimhen could be their next Galáctico.

Still, some fans have raised eyebrows. Why invest so heavily in another superstar forward when Mbappé just arrived? Is there truly “no room” for Mbappé in Alonso’s plans, or is this about complementing him rather than replacing him?

The reality is, Alonso wants options. In modern football, squad depth and rotation are key to success, especially when competing on multiple fronts. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion require a team to have more than just eleven great players.

The €75 million fee may appear steep, but in today’s market, it could prove a bargain for a striker entering his prime. If Alonso gets his man, Real Madrid could unleash a terrifying attacking force next season.

In a transfer window full of bold moves, Osimhen to Real Madrid might just be the biggest shock yet. And if the deal goes through, it will mark the beginning of a new chapter—one that could reshape the power dynamics in European football once again.

As Real Madrid fans wait anxiously, one thing is certain: Xabi Alonso isn’t here to maintain the status quo. He’s here to build a new dynasty. And Victor Osimhen might just be the cornerstone of that vision.