Utaka advises Osimhen to join Real Madrid if Mourinho secures Bernabéu return

Former Super Eagles winger John Utaka has urged striker Victor Osimhen to consider a move to Real Madrid CF if reports linking the club with a return for José Mourinho materialise.

Speaking in an interview with Brila FM on Wednesday, Utaka said a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu would represent a “career-defining” step for Osimhen, particularly if Mourinho—who previously managed Osimhen during his time in Serie A takes charge in Spain.

Speculation has intensified around a possible return for José Mourinho to Real Madrid, with club president Florentino Pérez reportedly exploring a second stint for the Portuguese coach.

Mourinho has previously praised Osimhen publicly, drawing comparisons between the Nigerian forward and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, adding to ongoing transfer discussions.

“If I were Osimhen, I would go because if Mourinho has requested for him, it means he really wants him,” Utaka said. “Real Madrid is a perfect fit. Football is about winning trophies and creating history.”

Osimhen continues to enjoy a prolific spell with Galatasaray SK following a major transfer to Istanbul, where he has played a key role in their domestic success.

In the 2025/26 season, the Nigerian striker has recorded 15 league goals and 5 assists in 22 appearances, helping Galatasaray secure another league title and a domestic double.

His recent form includes a standout brace in a 4–2 comeback win over Antalyaspor earlier in May, further boosting his profile ahead of the summer transfer window.

A transfer to Real Madrid would mark a historic milestone, as no Nigerian player has ever featured for the club’s senior team in a competitive match.

Utaka also stressed that beyond personal success, Osimhen’s focus should be on winning major honours, particularly the UEFA Champions League, which remains absent from his trophy collection.

“People remember trophies and the teams that achieved them more than individual awards,” Utaka added.

Reports suggest Galatasaray value Osimhen at around €150 million, while other top European clubs, including FC Barcelona, are also monitoring the striker as transfer interest grows ahead of the summer window.

With Real Madrid’s managerial situation still unresolved and Mourinho’s potential return under discussion, Osimhen’s future is expected to be one of the headline stories of the upcoming transfer period.