Soccer
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray SK warms up. Copyright: ImagoxBurakxBasturkx
Former Super Eagles and Montpellier forward John Utaka has sent a clear message to countryman Victor Osimhen amid speculation over his next move, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Galatasaray striker has once again been in the headlines heading into the summer, with several top European clubs monitoring his situation as they look to strengthen their squads in the transfer window.
Osimhen has been in remarkable form since joining the Cimbom in 2024 on an initial loan deal, before Galatasaray splashed a Turkish record €75 million to make the move permanent last summer.
Since then, he has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions and has helped the club to two league titles and one Turkish Cup crown in his two seasons so far. The former Napoli forward also netted seven goals in the UEFA Champions League this season and was named Player of the Match on four occasions, marking the most by any player in the competition this season.
Soccer John Utaka urges Osimhen to make Real Madrid move
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has already attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window, leading to uncertainty over his long-term future at Galatasaray.
Soccernet.ng also reported that Real Madrid could make a move for the Super Eagles forward if Jose Mourinho gets reappointed as manager for another stint, with the Portuguese close to a return to the Santiago Bernabeu after 13 years away.
Speaking during an interview with Brila FM, former Nigerian striker John Utaka believes a move to Real Madrid would make sense for Osimhen, who would be a perfect fit and would have the chance to win major trophies.
“If I were Osimhen, I would go because if Mourinho has requested for him, it means he really wants him. Osimhen wants to win trophies and Real Madrid is a perfect fit”, the former Montpellier forward said.
“Personally, I will plead with Osimhen to leave Galatasaray and go. Football is about winning trophies and creating history. If the club he’s going to gives him a better chance to win titles and grow financially, then he should take that opportunity.
“At the end of the day, people remember trophies and the teams that achieved them more than individual awards. That’s why generations still talk about the 1996 Olympics team because success creates history that can never be forgotten.”
Soccer Will Osimhen end up at Real Madrid?
For most players, the opportunity to play for Real Madrid is one they cannot turn down and Osimhen would also be considering the same if the Spanish giants comes for him in the summer.
It could also present the chance of becoming the first Nigerian to feature for the senior team, with the likes of Mutiu Adepoju and Dimeji Lawal having previously played for the Castilla side.
Real Madrid have also lacked a natural centre forward in the last two seasons, which has contributed to their trophyless campaigns and adding Osimhen to an attack that already has French superstar Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior would be a great statement of intent.
Osimhen has already won league and cup titles, but one major honour that has eluded him is an European trophy and there would hardly be a better chance to win it than at the record UEFA Champions League winners.
However, the deal could prove complicated given Galatasaray’s stance of not wanting to sell. Even if they are open to negotiations, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid would be willing to meet their €150 million valuation.
It is also difficult to imagine Osimhen leaving Galatasaray at the moment. The Super Eagles forward has built a strong bond with the fans and has also expressed his love for the club publicly.
However, the transfer window is still open for a long time and positions can change quickly. If Real Madrid come calling, it could be very difficult to turn down for the Nigerian striker.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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