The "Mourinho Operation": Victor Osimhen Identified as the Missing Piece for Real Madrid’s Frontline

The Santiago Bernabéu is buzzing with anticipation as the "Mourinho Operation" begins to take a definitive shape. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, reports from Daily Post and Soccernet confirmed that Victor Osimhen is now the primary transfer target for Jose Mourinho as he prepares for a sensational return to Real Madrid.

​Following a disappointing 2025/2026 campaign that saw the La Liga title slip to Barcelona and a premature exit from the UEFA Champions League, club president Florentino Perez is reportedly ready to activate Mourinho’s €3 million release clause at Benfica. However, the Portuguese tactician has made one thing clear: to restore Madrid's dominance, he needs the "Nigerian Powerhouse" to lead his attack.

​The "Drogba Comparison": Why Mourinho Wants Osimhen

​Jose Mourinho’s admiration for Victor Osimhen is well-documented. During their overlapping time in Italy where Mourinho managed AS Roma and Osimhen led the line for Napoli the "Special One" famously compared the Nigerian striker to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

​Mourinho sees Osimhen as the "prototypical No. 9" that Real Madrid has lacked since the departure of Karim Benzema.

• ​Physical Dominance: Much like Drogba, Osimhen possesses the raw strength and aerial ability to bully world-class defenders.
• ​Tactical Flexibility: Mourinho believes Osimhen’s ability to act as a focal point will fix the "tactical imbalance" currently plaguing the Madrid frontline.
• ​Relentless Pressing: In a league where Barcelona’s ball-retention has reigned supreme, Mourinho views Osimhen’s work rate as the key to disrupting opposition build-up from the front.

​Fixing the Mbappe-Vinicius Paradox

​One of the biggest challenges for Real Madrid this past season has been the spatial overlap between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. With both superstars preferring to operate from the left wing or drifting into central channels, the team often lacked a true presence in the penalty area.

​Mourinho’s plan for the 2026/2027 season is to utilize Osimhen as the "anchor" of the attack. By having a natural central striker to occupy center-backs, it would allow Mbappé and Vinícius Jr to return permanently to their preferred wide positions. This structural shift is expected to maximize the speed of the wingers while giving them a clinical target to aim for in the box.

​The Numbers Behind the Hype: Osimhen’s "Golden" Season

​While some questioned Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray at the start of the season, the 27-year-old has silenced his critics with a historic campaign in Turkey. His statistics for the 2025/2026 season have been nothing short of elite:

• ​Goals: 22 goals in 33 official matches across all competitions.
• ​Assists: 8 assists, demonstrating his improved link-up play.
• ​Champions League Impact: Scoring 7 times in European competition before Galatasaray's exit.

​These numbers have not only caught the eye of Mourinho but have also sparked a bidding war between Europe’s elite, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain. However, the prospect of working under Mourinho at the Bernabéu is a pull that few players can resist.

​The Transfer Tug-of-War: Galatasaray’s Stance

​Despite the mounting interest, securing Osimhen’s signature will not be easy or cheap. Galatasaray management remains determined to keep their talisman, with vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu recently stating he "wouldn't sell Osimhen for €150 million."

​Real Madrid, however, is prepared to test that resolve. With the club seeking a massive rebuild, Perez is reportedly considering a €100 million-plus package to bring the striker to Spain. If the move is successful, Osimhen would make history as the first Nigerian-born player to feature for Real Madrid’s senior team—a milestone that would resonate deeply across the African continent.

​Conclusion: A New Era in the Spanish Capital

​As the 2025/2026 season draws to a close, the potential partnership between Jose Mourinho and Victor Osimhen represents a bold new chapter for Real Madrid. Mourinho’s tactical discipline combined with Osimhen’s explosive athleticism could be the exact formula needed to dethrone Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

​For the Madridistas, the message is clear: the rebuild has begun, and the "Special One" has found his "Special Striker."