Mourinho says he doesn't wantOsimhen at Real Madrid, jeopardizing the player's dream transfer.

Victor Osimhen’s ambition to join Real Madrid has encountered a serious obstacle after club legend Iker Casillas publicly voiced opposition to a potential return of José Mourinho to the Spanish side, Afrik‑Foot reports.

Spanish media indicate that Mourinho is in advanced talks to succeed Álvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid head coach following another under‑whelming campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese manager is said to have identified Victor Osimhen as a key acquisition for rebuilding the squad.

Osimhen, who has continued his prolific form with Galatasaray, has been linked repeatedly with a move to Madrid in recent weeks. Mourinho reportedly views the Nigerian striker as the missing element in an attack that has struggled for balance since Karim Benzema’s departure.

The situation grew more complex after Casillas openly criticised the prospect of Mourinho’s return to the club.

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. Copyright: xJoaoxGregorioxIMAGO

Writing on the social‑media platform X, the former Real Madrid captain said he respects Mourinho professionally but does not consider him the right choice for the club’s future.

“I have no problem with Mourinho,” Casillas wrote. “He seems like a great professional to me. I don’t want him at Real Madrid. I think other coaches would be better equipped to coach at the club of my life.”

Casillas’ remarks immediately revived memories of the strained relationship between the two during Mourinho’s first stint in Madrid from 2010 to 2013.

During that period, Mourinho and Casillas clashed over several issues, including tensions between Real Madrid and Barcelona players within the Spanish national team. Mourinho eventually dropped Casillas from the starting eleven, a decision that divided fans and created significant friction in the dressing room.

Casillas later described that era as emotionally exhausting, likening their interaction to a marriage that had broken down.

Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

Mourinho wants Osimhen to lead new‑look Real Madrid attack

Despite the criticism, Mourinho remains one of the leading candidates to take charge at Real Madrid as club president Florentino Pérez searches for a strong figure capable of restoring order after a second consecutive trophy‑less season.

The Madrid dressing room has become increasingly unsettled in recent months, with reports of disagreements among players, including a reported altercation involving Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Pérez is thought to view Mourinho as the ideal manager to manage the club’s high‑profile personalities, such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Jose Mourinho and Victor Osimhen back when they were in Italy. Copyright: xAlfredoxFalcone/IMAGO

According to reports, Osimhen is central to Mourinho’s rebuilding blueprint. The Portuguese coach envisions the Nigerian operating as a traditional number nine, allowing Mbappé and Vinícius to occupy wider attacking roles where they are most dangerous.

Galatasaray are said to value Osimhen between €100 million and €150 million, a sum that could make him one of the most expensive African players in football history.

If Mourinho’s prospective return collapses under growing pressure from supporters and influential voices within the club, Madrid’s pursuit of Osimhen could lose momentum.

That scenario would open the door for other European giants. Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Osimhen as a possible long‑term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United remain interested after earlier attempts to sign the striker were thwarted by his high valuation.