Ancelotti reveals reasons Real Madrid did not sign Nigerian star Victor Osimhen

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed why the European champions didn’t go ahead to sign Victor Osimhen last summer even though he was a major target of the club.

Los Blancos were among the clubs linked with Osimhen, who enjoyed a stellar campaign with Napoli in the 2022/23 season. Osimhen was last summer seen as a direct replacement for Karim Benzema, who left for Saudi club, Al Ittihad.

Osimhen, 25, scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances for the Partenopei during the title winning campaign. He scored 15 goals in 25 league appearances for Napoli last season.

Ancelotti told Radio Serie A: “No (we didn’t sign Osimhen) because I think the club thought that Benzema’s absence could be remedied by purchasing (Jude) Bellingham.”

The Edo born forward is expected to leave Napoli this summer.

Meanwhile, French giants PSG have reportedly launched a shock €200m bid for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen and his fellow Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen has been available in the summer transfer market with a release clause of €130m, although Napoli are willing to lower their asking price to €100m, as it is no longer a secret that  Napoli are prepared to sell the Nigerian international.