Barcelona identify €60 million Serie A hitman as alternative for Victor Osimhen

Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona have identified a Serie A striker as a potential alternative should they fail to secure Victor Osimhen this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

​In recent weeks, rumors have intensified regarding the Catalans’ interest in signing Osimhen from Galatasaray.

The Catalans are reportedly set to part ways with legendary Polish hitman Robert Lewandowski at the end of the campaign. As such, they are in desperate need of a replacement capable of delivering consistent goals.

​Osimhen has already cemented his reputation as one of the best marksmen in the world, recently hitting his 200th career goal—a milestone few active strikers can claim.

​However, Galatasaray are expected to put up a fierce fight. The Turkish giants only just secured the Nigerian from Napoli last summer after a grueling transfer battle.

Having spent €75 million on his services, they are likely to only entertain offers significantly higher—somewhere in the €80 million to €140 million range.

​Unfortunately, this price tag remains a hurdle for Barcelona, who have been navigating well-documented financial constraints for the past four years. Consequently, the club has identified a failsafe option.

​Who is Barcelona’s Alternative to Victor Osimhen?

​According to reports from Transfer News, the reigning La Liga champions have identified Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram as a potential successor to Lewandowski.

​The French international joined Inter from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2023 and has since evolved into a top forward.

Thuram has contributed 45 goals and 28 assists in 145 appearances. Thuram is renowned for his technical ability, exceptional hold-up play, and vision for creating chances—attributes that would allow him to integrate seamlessly into the Barcelona system.

​Crucially, Thuram would be a much more affordable option than Osimhen. Currently valued at €60 million on Transfermarkt and with just two years remaining on his contract, Inter Milan may be open to a sale.

Also, Inter already have a reliable replacement in Pio Esposito, who has been a revelation since his arrival last summer.

​Despite these plans, it is widely believed that Osimhen remains Barcelona’s primary target. It remains to be seen how the Spanish giants will navigate their finances to pull off the blockbuster deal.