Deco’s Osimhen gamble: Why Barcelona may have to move fast

Barcelona’s search for a new centre-forward is entering a decisive stage, and Victor Osimhen could become the answer if Julián Álvarez stays out of reach, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to transfer reporter Ekrem Konur, sporting director Deco has not dropped Barcelona’s pursuit of Osimhen. The Nigerian is now being considered as a more attainable option than Álvarez, who has been Barcelona’s preferred target for much of the summer.

That shift could force Barça to act quickly for the Super Eagles forward, who is also a big target for Arsenal.

Álvarez deadlock puts Osimhen in Barcelona focus

Barcelona have spent months trying to prise Álvarez away from Atlético Madrid. President Joan Laporta confirmed weeks ago that Barça had made a firm offer for the Argentina international, but Atlético rejected it and insisted that Álvarez was not for sale.

The situation has become even harder. Diego Simeone said earlier in August that Atlético had made its decision and would not sell Álvarez this summer. The forward was then left out of Atlético’s La Liga opener against Málaga on August 19 as the transfer dispute continued.

That leaves Deco with a difficult choice. Barcelona can keep waiting for Atlético to change its position, or move towards another striker before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.

Osimhen offers a proven alternative. The 27-year-old scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances for Galatasaray last season. He also scored seven goals in the Champions League. Barcelona need that kind of production after Robert Lewandowski left the club at the end of last season. The Poland striker finished his Barça career with 120 goals in four seasons.

Osimhen would not be a cheap escape route. Reports from Turkey have placed Galatasaray’s asking price at around €150 million, while the club has made clear how highly it values its star striker.

That is the gamble facing Deco. Waiting for Álvarez could leave Barcelona with less time to negotiate an alternative. Moving early for Osimhen would mean committing to a very different striker, but it would also give Hansi Flick a centre-forward with pace, power, aerial strength and a proven record in front of goal.

The decision could shape Barcelona’s attack before the new season settles into its early weeks.