Galatasaray blocks Atletico Madrid's bid for Víctor Osimhen

Galatasaray have shut down Atletico Madrid’s approach for Víctor Osimhen, with club president Dursun Özbek stating the Nigerian striker will not be sold this summer. The rejection removes a fallback option for Los Colchoneros as they plan their forward line for the 2026/27 season. The club had framed the move as a Plan B target rather than a primary acquisition. Osimhen, who arrived from Napoli, has netted 59 goals in 74 matches for Galatasaray, helping the side secure two Superliga Turca titles and a Copa de Turquía. Özbek described the player as a costly signing whose importance to the squad precludes any negotiation. The forward’s own contentment at the Turkish club was also cited as a factor. Atletico Madrid’s striker plans remain complicated by sustained external interest in Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward is protected by a €500 million release clause and a contract running to 2030, yet clubs including Real Madrid, Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG continue to monitor his situation. Atletico have reiterated that any interested party may trigger the clause rather than negotiate. With the Spanish transfer window set to close on 1 September, Atletico must now identify alternative options to preserve a backup striker. Whether the club pursues another discreet target or relies on existing squad depth will depend on how quickly interest in Álvarez escalates. The club’s next steps will shape its attacking strategy for the upcoming season.