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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

…Atletico reject Nigerian – Report

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Atletico Madrid reportedly rejected a €75 million transfer offer for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen due to financial reasons and player plans.
  • Intermediaries offered Osimhen, who was willing to take a pay cut, but Atletico prioritized keeping Julián Álvarez and Sørloth.
  • Osimhen's willingness to reduce his salary stems from his admiration for Atletico coach Diego Simeone.

Atletico Madrid reportedly turned down a potential €75 million transfer for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, citing financial constraints and existing player commitments. Spanish YouTube channel Club Uria reported that intermediaries presented the offer, with Osimhen himself agreeable to a salary reduction to facilitate the move.

According to presenter Ruben Uria, Atletico's board was contacted by the player's representatives with a proposition that was considered advantageous, though Atletico believed Galatasaray might demand more. Osimhen was reportedly willing to significantly lower his earnings to fit within Atletico's salary cap. However, the club decided against pursuing the talks because Julián Álvarez is not for sale, and Miguel Ángel Gil Marín favors his continued presence. The presence of both Álvarez and Sørloth makes an Osimhen transfer impossible.

According to information obtained by ‘El Club de Uría’, intermediaries offered Victor Osimhen to Atlético de Madrid in a €75m transfer deal. Atlético informed these intermediaries that Osimhen is not currently part of their plans because Julián Álvarez is not for sale and Sørloth remains with the team.

— Club Uria podcast descriptionExplaining Atletico Madrid's rejection of Osimhen.

Osimhen currently commands a high salary at Galatasaray, earning €15 million net annually, further enhanced by tax exemptions for foreign residents in Turkey. His contract in Istanbul extends until 2029, following his permanent move last summer. His readiness to accept a lower salary is closely tied to his desire to play under Diego Simeone, whom he has praised previously.

They contacted the board of Atletico Madrid a few days ago and their proposition was quite advantageous, offering him for €75m, but Atletico believed the figures were low and that Galatasaray might ask for more for the transfer. Osimhen was also willing to considerably reduce his salary until it fits within Atletico’s salary limit.

— Ruben UriaDetailing the transfer offer and Osimhen's willingness to negotiate salary.

"I like him, I have always been a fan of their coach. I’ve met him a couple of times. They play aggressively and have an identity," Osimhen stated in January. "The coach has been there for many years, so the players are used to his style of play. That’s why I praise the performance we put in; Atletico is one of the best teams in the world, and getting a result like a draw against them shows you’re on the right track."

Osimhen's future now appears linked to Álvarez's situation, and it remains uncertain if Atletico will prevent Barcelona from signing the Argentine. Barcelona had considered Osimhen as an alternative to Álvarez but dropped their interest due to his substantial salary demands.

I like him, I have always been a fan of their coach. I’ve met him a couple of times. They play aggressively and have an identity. The coach has been there for many years, so the players are used to his style of play. That’s why I praise the performance we put in; Atletico is one of the best teams in the world, and getting a result like a draw against them shows you’re on the right track.

— Victor OsimhenPraising Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.