Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was reportedly offered to Atletico Madrid a few days ago in a potential €75m transfer, but the La Liga outfit turned down the chance to sign the player due to financial reasons, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Spanish YouTube channel Club Uria reported that Osimhen was offered to Atletico through intermediaries, with the player also willing to take a reasonable pay cut to make the transfer happen.

“According to information obtained by ‘El Club de Uría’, intermediaries offered Victor Osimhen to Atlético de Madrid in a €75m transfer deal. Atlético informed these intermediaries that Osimhen is not currently part of their plans because Julián Álvarez is not for sale and Sørloth remains with the team,” the podcast description read.

Presenter Ruben Uria went on to explain in the video that the offer was indeed made by the player’s representatives.

“They contacted the board of Atletico Madrid a few days ago and their proposition was quite advantageous, offering him for €75m, but Atletico believed the figures were low and that Galatasaray might ask for more for the transfer. Osimhen was also willing to considerably reduce his salary until it fits within Atletico’s salary limit.

“Atletico have, however, decided not to progress with the talks because Julian Alvarez was not leaving the club and Miguel Ángel Gil Marín is in favour of Alvarez remaining at the club. So, if Julian and Sørloth do not leave, it is impossible for Osimhen to come in.”

Osimhen currently earns a high salary at Galatasaray, where his net income is worth €15m per year, which grows considerably due to tax exemptions for foreign residents in Turkey. He remains under contract in Istanbul until 2029, having joined the club on a permanent deal last summer.

His willingness to reduce his earnings is easily linked to his eagerness to work under Diego Simeone. Last season, the player spoke highly of the coach after a Champions League game.

“I like him, I have always been a fan of their coach. I’ve met him a couple of times. They play aggressively and have an identity,” Osimhen said in January.

“The coach has been there for many years, so the players are used to his style of play. That’s why I praise the performance we put in; Atletico is one of the best teams in the world, and getting a result like a draw against them shows you’re on the right track.”

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s future now seems to be linked with Alvarez’s, and it remains to be seen if Atletico will prevent Barcelona from signing the Argentine.

Osimhen had also been on Barcelona’s list as an alternative to Alvarez, but the La Liga champions have dropped that interest due to his huge salary demands.