England Star the Reason Why Real Madrid Rejected Osimhen

Real Madrid’s dormant interest in Victor Osimhen has long been well-documented, but the Nigerian marksman was never too close to moving to the European champions. Following the departure of Karim Benzema, the search for a proper center-forward was on in the Spanish capital. The management ultimately forgot Osimhen and settled for striker Joselu.

However, despite Joselu’s signing, it was Jude Bellingham’s mega transfer that ended interest in Osimhen, according to Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti. In an interview with Radio Serie A (via AreaNapoli), the former AC Milan manager highlighted Real Madrid’s alleged interest in Osimhen and denied any advances.

“No, because I think the club thought that Benzema’s absence could be remedied by purchasing Bellingham,” he revealed.

Ancelotti reportedly played a vital role along with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis in the transfer of Osimhen from French team LOSC Lille. However, he arrived after the veteran manager’s exit following a poor stint.

“Napoli made a strong generational change, managing to buy important players, especially one of the strongest attackers in Europe, which is Osimhen. And this radical change allowed them to win”.

Osimhen was a man in demand after helping the Partenopei achieve the Scudetto title, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. For Los Blancos in particular, Bellingham proved more than fruitful in his debut campaign in Spain, registering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances.