Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, has graciously downplayed the swirling rumors and speculations surrounding the potential signing of the remarkable Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, who currently dazzles on the field for Napoli.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Osimhen’s future was a captivating topic of debate, capturing the interest of Europe’s crème de la crème clubs.
Whispers of Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain, and even Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al-Hilal vying for Osimhen’s services tantalized fans and pundits alike.
In fact, Al-Hilal tantalizingly dangled a staggering offer of approximately €150 million, accompanied by a jaw-dropping weekly wage of €1 million. Such was the allure of Osimhen’s prodigious talent.
Yet, amidst this fervor, Real Madrid, the illustrious 14-time European champions, found themselves entangled in the web of speculation.
Reports emerged, suggesting that Los Blancos were eyeing Osimhen as a potential replacement for the mercurial Karim Benzema, who embarked on a new adventure with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad during the summer.
However, the sage and astute Ancelotti, with his finger firmly on the pulse of the club, has now quashed those rumors with an air of finality.
The revered Italian tactician unequivocally stated that Real Madrid never entertained the notion of signing Osimhen, despite acknowledging the Nigerian’s exceptional prowess as one of the premier strikers in the world today.
Ancelotti attributed this resolute decision to the club’s prior acquisition of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, which effectively fulfilled their attacking requirements.
While Osimhen’s talents undoubtedly attracted interest from an array of clubs, Real Madrid ultimately opted not to pursue his signing, remaining steadfast in their strategic vision for the team.
Thus, the curtain falls on the Osimhen-to-Real Madrid saga, leaving fans and pundits to ponder what could have been, while Ancelotti and his team continue their pursuit of glory on the hallowed grounds of the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Osimhen is one of the strongest strikers in Europe, but honestly we never thought about it. We decided to replace Benzema in another way with the arrival of Bellingham,” Ancelotti said as per Napoli Magazine.
Although the transfer window is not close, Osimhen is expected to stay at Napoli now, with the Nigerian likely to sign a new contract.
The 24-year-old has already turned down Al-Hilal’s mouthwatering offer, while he is too expensive for the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Osimhen still has two years left on the original contract he signed after joining Napoli from Lille for a club-record fee of €75m in 2020.
The Nigerian has started the season well, scoring two goals to help Napoli begin their title defence with a 3-1 win over Frosinone.
