Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was reportedly offered to Atletico Madrid recently for a potential transfer fee of €75 million. But the La Liga club turned down the opportunity due to money issues, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
A Spanish YouTube channel called Club Uria said that Osimhen was presented to Atletico through agents. The player was even ready to take a pay cut to make the move happen.
"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," the podcast description stated.
Presenter Ruben Uria explained in the video that the offer indeed came from the player’s representatives.
"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.
"Atletico have, however, decided not to progress with the talks because Julian Alvarez was not leaving the club, and Miguel Ángel Gil Marín is in favour of Alvarez remaining at the club. So, if Julian and Sørloth do not leave, it is impossible for Osimhen to come in."
Osimhen currently earns a high salary at Galatasaray, making €15 million a year. His income increases due to tax breaks for foreign residents in Turkey. He is under contract in Istanbul until 2029, having joined the club last summer.
His willingness to lower his salary seems linked to his desire to work with Diego Simeone. Last season, Osimhen praised the coach after a Champions League match.
"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 said 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."
Now, Osimhen’s future seems connected to Alvarez’s, and it remains unclear if Atletico will stop Barcelona from signing the Argentine.
Osimhen was also on Barcelona’s radar as an alternative to Alvarez, but the La Liga champions have lost interest due to his high salary demands.
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