John Utaka Urges Victor Osimhen to Leave Galatasaray for Real Madrid Amid José Mourinho Interest

Super Eagles legend John Utaka has called on Victor Osimhen to prioritise trophy ambitions over continuity at Galatasaray, as speculation over the striker’s future intensifies ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.

Speaking on Brila Media’s Breakfast Show ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze’, Utaka — the top-scoring Nigerian in Ligue 1 history — said the decision ultimately rests with Osimhen himself. “It all depends on the player. This is a two-way conversation. I mean, Osimhen needs to talk to the board, and then if the two parties agree, he might carry on. It all depends on if the player wants to leave or stay,” the former Montpellier forward said.

Despite acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Utaka was unambiguous about his personal stance. “Personally, I will plead with the player to go. But you also have to look at the football side, is he going to benefit you financially and trophy-wise? If where he is going allows him to win trophies, then he should go.”

Utaka drew on his own career to underline the lasting value of silverware, referencing his 2011–12 Ligue 1 title triumph with Montpellier. “At the end of the day, it’s all about class. Class of 2012 is when I won the league with Montpellier… We are playing football at the end to make money, make our families happy, and also make ourselves happy. Winning trophies, there is also history behind it.”

The 44-year-old reserved particular enthusiasm for a potential move to Real Madrid, especially in the event that José Mourinho is appointed as manager. “100 percent, if I were Osimhen, I will go. Because Mourinho has seen something in him that made him request for Osimhen in the first place,” Utaka said.

Osimhen has completed another productive campaign in Istanbul, registering 22 goals across all competitions as Galatasaray claimed another Turkish Süper Lig title. The Nigerian international joined the club on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024–25 season following a protracted transfer saga, and his performances have generated significant interest from clubs at the highest level of European football.

However, Galatasaray have made clear their intention to retain the striker. Club vice-president Erden Timur has reportedly stated that the Turkish side will resist any approach for Osimhen, even if a bid of €150 million is submitted. That figure would place any potential deal among the most expensive transfers in football history.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been linked with the 26-year-old, according to reports, as the two Spanish giants seek to strengthen their attacking options. Mourinho, whose managerial future remains a subject of widespread speculation, is said to have identified Osimhen as a priority target — a detail Utaka cited as a significant signal of the striker’s standing in the game.

Utaka is not the only prominent figure to have weighed in on Osimhen’s next destination. Former France international Florent Malouda has also reportedly advised the Super Eagles forward on his preferred club move, reflecting the level of global attention surrounding one of African football’s most marketable players.

With Napoli’s ownership of Osimhen’s registration adding another layer of complexity to any permanent transfer, the coming weeks are likely to prove decisive in determining where the striker will be playing his football next season.