Barcelona have identified Victor Osimhen as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski, with the Spanish giants closely monitoring the Nigerian forward’s progress at Galatasaray.
Gabriel Sans, Mundo Deportivo’s Barcelona correspondent, disclosed on Turkish radio station Radyospor that manager Hansi Flick’s side have placed Osimhen on their striker shortlist.
“Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Osimhen, and he is definitely a player they want,” Sans stated.
Whilst the Catalan club are not currently engaged in active negotiations for the 26-year-old, Sans confirmed it is “certain” they will make contact in 2026, as the Nigerian international ranks high on their wishlist.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano corroborated Sans’ revelation, noting that Barcelona are “for sure” seeking a new centre-forward amid a “concrete chance” that Lewandowski will depart when his contract expires in June.
Romano added that Osimhen features amongst several elite goalscorers Barcelona are tracking, with the club making regular calls to remain informed about the striker market.
A clause in Osimhen’s Galatasaray contract prohibits him from joining an Italian club for two years, potentially reducing Barcelona’s competition for his signature.
Galatasaray secured Osimhen from Napoli for €75 million during the summer following an impressive loan spell, and the Turkish champions would demand a premium above that figure to sanction a sale.
Should Barcelona successfully recruit Osimhen as their new number nine, it would mark a triumph where Chelsea previously faltered. The Blues held discussions with Osimhen in summer 2024 but failed to agree personal terms.
That collapsed transfer prompted Napoli to exclude Osimhen from their squad before Galatasaray rescued him with an initial loan arrangement.
Barcelona face a significant decision, as Osimhen is not their sole centre-forward target. Recent reports indicate Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is also set to become a free agent at season’s end, remains an option.
Acquiring Vlahovic without a transfer fee would save Barcelona at least €75 million, though evidence suggests Osimhen represents the superior choice.
Whilst Vlahovic has underwhelmed at Juventus, Osimhen dominated Serie A with Napoli, guiding them to their first Scudetto in 33 years. He has maintained a remarkable scoring rate at Galatasaray, recording 43 goals in just 50 appearances.
Osimhen is widely regarded amongst the world’s finest strikers, with many surprised he joined Galatasaray rather than an established European elite club.
Whether he secures a dream move to Barcelona remains uncertain, as the Blaugrana would need to offload several players to finance such a deal.
Julian Alvarez has been mentioned as Barcelona’s ultimate striker target, though he would cost considerably more than Osimhen, with his price tag potentially reaching an eye-watering €200 million.
