Victor Osimhen open to pay cut as Atletico de Madrid consider Galatasaray deal

Intermediaries have offered Victor Osimhen to Atletico de Madrid in a potential €75m transfer, although the Spanish club has rejected the initial approach because of concerns over the cost of signing the Galatasaray striker.

According to journalist Nacho Donado, Galatasaray are prepared to listen to offers for their leading goalscorer and could consider allowing him to leave before the end of the transfer window.

Osimhen is reportedly keen on the possibility of joining Atletico and would be willing to accept a substantial reduction in salary to help make the move possible. The Nigeria international wants to work under Atletico manager Diego Simeone and has accepted the principle of taking a pay cut in an attempt to facilitate an agreement between the clubs and the player.

However, Atletico’s hierarchy remain cautious about the proposed deal. The €75m figure is already considered too high by the Madrid club, which also believes Galatasaray could demand an even larger fee before agreeing to sell their most important attacking player.

As a result, Atletico have turned down the first approach. At this stage, a move for Osimhen to the Metropolitano appears difficult, with the LaLiga club only likely to consider such a significant investment if one of their current forwards leaves.

The players whose departures could potentially create room for Osimhen are Julian Alvarez or Alexander Sørloth. Without an exit involving one of those attackers, Atletico are not expected to pursue the proposed transfer any further.

Osimhen remains under contract with Galatasaray until 30 June 2029 and, for now, is fully committed to the Istanbul-based club. His market value is estimated at €75m by Transfermarkt, matching the figure cited in the proposed operation.

The Nigerian striker currently earns an annual salary of €18,750,000, equivalent to 12,187,500,000 FCFA.

Osimhen has continued to attract attention during the transfer market, with his future again the subject of speculation following the approach to Atletico. Galatasaray’s willingness to consider offers means a departure remains possible before the window closes, but the financial demands involved make an agreement with Atletico challenging at present.

The forward’s reported desire to play for Simeone and his readiness to reduce his wages could help negotiations if the Madrid club decide to revisit the proposal. For now, though, Atletico’s position is that the initial terms do not provide a workable basis for the transfer.