Barcelona’s Victor Osimhen stance ‘confirmed’

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. Photo by IMAGO

Spanish champions Barcelona have reached a final decision on whether to pursue a move for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen’s future has been one of the biggest talking points of the transfer window, with uncertainty surrounding his long-term stay at Galatasaray after another outstanding campaign.

The 27-year-old has been linked with several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona, as speculation over a possible transfer continues to gather pace.

Since joining the Turkish champions on an initial loan deal in 2024, Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers and has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions.

The Super Eagles forward has also helped Galatasaray win two Turkish Super Lig titles and one Turkish Cup during his two seasons in Istanbul, as his influence at the club continues to grow. 

Soccer Victor Osimhen: Barcelona reveal stance on Super Eagles forward

According to reports from SPORT, via Sports Mole, Barcelona are not planning to pursue a move for Victor Osimhen during the current transfer window.

The Catalan giants have been actively looking to strengthen their attack following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, who left the club as a free agent after the expiration of his contract at the end of last season.

Barcelona have already completed the signings of Nigeria’s fufu man Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund and England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. However, signing a natural centre forward remains a priority before the start of next season.

Spanish striker Ferran Torres is the club’s only recognized option in that position, although he has also been linked with a move away.

Barcelona’s preferred target is Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. However, negotiations so far have proven to be difficult, with Atletico showing little willingness to part with the Argentina international.

While Osimhen is admired by Barcelona, the club are unwilling to pursue a deal because of his significant wage demands. If they are unable to sign Alvarez, they are expected to explore other alternatives rather than move for the Nigerian forward.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray have repeatedly insisted that they do not want to sell Osimhen. However, that stance could be tested in the coming weeks as interest in the striker continues to grow.

Atletico Madrid are among the clubs monitoring the situation and could turn to Osimhen if Alvarez leaves the club, while there has also been renewed interest from the Premier League.

Manchester United, Arsenal and, most recently, Tottenham Hotspur have all shown strong interest in the Super Eagles star and are considering stepping up their pursuit before the transfer window closes.

For now, Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player and is expected to lead the club into the new season. However, with interest from several top European clubs, particularly from the Premier League, his situation could still change before the end of the summer transfer window.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin