SPANISH football powerhouse FC Barcelona is reportedly preparing a move for Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen as the Catalan club begins plans to strengthen its attacking line ahead of the next transfer window.
The development comes amid growing speculation that the reigning La Liga champions are considering Osimhen as a potential replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract with the Spanish giants is expected to expire at the end of the current season.
According to reports by The Athletic, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is keen on bringing the prolific Nigerian forward to Camp Nou during the summer transfer window as part of the club’s long-term rebuilding strategy.
Osimhen, who currently plays for Turkish champions Galatasaray, has been in impressive form since moving to the Istanbul-based club, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
However, the club’s president, Dursun Ozbek, has insisted that the Nigerian star’s contract contains no release clause, dismissing speculation that the player could leave the Turkish champions through a pre-arranged transfer fee.
Speaking in an interview with Turkish outlet Fanatik, Ozbek rejected reports linking the striker with top European clubs such as Juventus and Bayern Munich.
“There is no release clause in Osimhen’s contract. He is an extremely successful footballer who will serve Galatasaray for many years,” Ozbek said.
The Galatasaray chief noted that while the €75 million fee paid to secure Osimhen’s permanent transfer from Napoli in 2025 was initially considered expensive, the striker’s performances have significantly increased his market value.
Industry estimates now suggest that the Turkish club could demand as much as €150 million should any club attempt to lure the forward away from Istanbul.
Osimhen, 27, first joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September 2024 before the deal was made permanent the following year.
Since then, the former African Footballer of the Year has become one of the most prolific goal scorers in European football, scoring an impressive 53 goals in 65 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish side.
His consistent scoring record has not only boosted Galatasaray’s attacking strength but also attracted renewed attention from several top clubs across Europe.
Only recently, former Barcelona and France forward Thierry Henry publicly suggested that the Catalan club needs a top-quality striker capable of leading the line, naming Osimhen among the players who could fill that role.
With his contract at Galatasaray running until June 2029, the Nigerian striker’s long-term future appears secure at the club.
Nevertheless, growing interest from Europe’s elite teams suggests that the coming transfer window could spark a major battle for the services of one of Africa’s most valuable football stars.