Ancelotti on why Madrid did not sign Osimhen

Napoli's forward Victor Osimhen. EPA/CESARE ABBATE

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024. 11:00

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently revealed why Los Blancos opted against signing African star Victor Osimhen as the Napoli talisman continues to be one of Europe’s most sought after strikers.

The Nigerian international has been linked with a number of top clubs in the last couples of seasons with the likes of Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United keeping tabs on his progress in Italy.

Osimhen is expected to start preseason training with Napoli in the coming weeks but is tipped to leave the club before the start of the 2024/25 season.

In a recent interview with Radio Serie A, Ancelotti expressed that Madrid eyed Jude Bellingham as a suitable replacement for Karim Benzema, instead of Osimhen.

“No, because I think the club thought that Benzema’s absence could be remedied by purchasing Bellingham,” Ancelotti told Radio Serie A, as per Soccernet NG.

However, Madrid eventually bolstered their striking department with the signing of Kylian Mbappe last month. The Frenchman signed a five-year deal worth €15 million a year and will also receive a €150m signing on fee in the process.