Atletico rejects €75m Osimhen bid despite player's pay-cut offer to join Simeone
Atletico Madrid turned down Galatasaray's €75 million offer for Victor Osimhen earlier today, even though the 27-year-old Nigerian striker reportedly agreed to take a salary cut to work under Diego Simeone. The Spanish club cited lack of funds for such a large transaction during the current transfer window and reiterated their commitment to Julian Alvarez as their first-choice striker, making Osimhen's signing unnecessary.
Galatasaray approached Atletico through intermediaries seeking to offload Osimhen, who remains contracted with the Turkish club until 2029. At Galatasaray, Osimhen earns a substantial salary that is further increased by tax benefits available to foreign residents in Turkey. His willingness to accept reduced earnings demonstrates his strong desire to play in La Liga under Simeone's system at the Metropolitano stadium.
Los Rojiblancos' decision means Osimhen will likely stay in Istanbul for now, though his openness to lower pay suggests he may pursue other European opportunities if they arise. The Nigerian international has been linked with several clubs recently as he seeks to test himself in one of the continent's top leagues.
Will Osimhen actively pursue transfers to other Spanish or English clubs this window, or accept his Galatasaray contract until 2029 where tax advantages significantly boost his net income despite the stalled Atletico move?