Spanish football giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly emerged as potential destinations for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, who recently capped a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray by winning the 2024/25 Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot with 26 goals, is set to return to his parent club, Napoli. However, the Serie A side now under the leadership of Antonio Conte reportedly has no plans to retain the 26-year-old in their long-term setup.
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This has sparked interest from several European heavyweights, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among those linked, according to Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle.
Speaking during a press conference at the Super Eagles’ training camp, Chelle didn’t shy away from fuelling speculation over Osimhen’s next destination, acknowledging that the striker is unlikely to stay in Naples.
“Victor, for me, is the best centre-forward in the world,” Chelle said, as quoted by the BBC.
“The reality is that with the transfer window open, a player like him cannot be 100% focused. I have to protect him physically and mentally because he will be transferred.
Chelle then went on to name the four clubs he believes are in the running to secure Osimhen’s highly sought-after services: “Maybe to a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Barcelona, Chelsea or Real Madrid…”
Osimhen’s omission from Nigeria’s upcoming friendly against Russia was confirmed to be influenced by ongoing transfer developments, with Chelle noting the need to manage the forward’s fitness and mental state as major clubs circle.
With both Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the situation closely, Osimhen’s future looks set to be one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer window.
