Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing Victor Osimhen, valued at €80 million by Serie A giants Napoli, as a possible alternative for Erling Haaland next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Victor Osimhen has emerged as a possible alternative to Erling Haaland for Real Madrid heading into the summer transfer window. The Nigerian striker is valued at around €80 million by Serie A giants Napoli.
Victor Osimhen joined Napoli from LOSC Lille in September 2020 but struggled to get going early in his stint with the Serie A giants. However, the 23-year-old ended the 2020/21 season strongly and has continued from where he left off in the ongoing campaign.
The Nigerian striker has amassed nine goals and two assists in 14 appearances in all competitions and played a key role in Napoli’s early rise to the summit of Serie A before being sidelined with a facial injury. However, his performances have done enough to capture the attention of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering Karim Benzema is approaching the final phase of his glittering career. While the French striker is in the form of his life, a succession plan needs to be laid down to ensure the Spanish giants do not get caught out when his level starts waning.
To that end, Erling Haaland is the priority target for Real Madrid, with the Borussia Dortmund talisman in favour of joining the Merengues. However, the competition for Haaland’s signature is intense, which is why Real Madrid must keep their options open.
As a result, the La Liga heavyweights have formulated a plan B, creating a short-list of four strikers to target if they cannot sign Haaland. This list contains names like Marcus Rashford, Darwin Nunez and Jonathan David, with Osimhen also a part of their contingency plan. However, signing the 23-year-old will cost a bomb as Napoli will look to recoup the €80 million they paid to sign him.
It is unclear if Real Madrid will be prepared to shell out €80 million to prise the Nigerian striker away from the Serie A giants. For now, Osimhen has emerged as a viable alternative for Haaland, and it will be interesting to see if they are forced to turn their attention away from the Norwegian next summer.
