Real Madrid submit offer for Osasuna’s prolific striker Ante Budimir | OneFootball

Real Madrid have submitted a bid to sign Osasuna striker Ante Budimir this summer (h/t Diario Sport).

Los Blancos relied on Kylian Mbappe as their sole striker last season. The Frenchman didn’t disappoint as he scored the bulk of Madrid’s goals, eventually winning La Liga’s top scorer award.

Brazilian teenage prodigy Endrick showed a glimpse of his talent in his debut campaign, but Madrid believe he is too young to be a viable understudy.

Los Merengues want to ease Mbappe’s workload, and they are looking for an experienced back-up in the ilk of former striker Joselu.

Joselu had a remarkable stint at Madrid during the 2023/24 season, scoring decisive goals as a super substitute to inspire them to La Liga and Champions League titles.

Madrid want to follow a similar blueprint of recruiting a low-cost centre-forward, and have earmarked Budimir as their top target.

The 33-year-old has experienced an upsurge in form over the last couple of years.

He concluded the 2023/24 season with 17 goals and bagged another 21 last term, finishing as the league’s third top scorer behind Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

He has also translated his excellent form to the national team and has seemingly sealed his place as Croatia’s first-choice striker for the World Cup next year.

Madrid have offered a salary worth €3 million per season for Budimir, who has a €8m release clause in his contract.

The Spanish giants have already welcomed new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, while Argentine sensation Franco Mastantuono is expected to be the next arrival.

Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso will kick off his reign in the Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal next week.