Victor Osimhen to Barcelona: Why Hansi Flick’s side have decided against signing Galatasaray striker

Barcelona have reportedly decided against signing Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in the short- and long-term.

It is a decision that may have dealt a potential blow to the Super Eagles striker’s hopes of joining one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The Nigerian forward was among the high-profile attackers linked with several top European clubs during the summer transfer window. With Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea reportedly interested, Barcelona was also a potential destination for Osimhen as the Catalans searched for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Osimhen is undoubtedly enjoying life in Turkey after two successful years in Istanbul. However, a switch to Barcelona would have offered him another opportunity to prove himself at the highest level of European football.

The Spanish giants eventually pursued other options, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus among the forwards brought into their plans.

Osimhen subsequently had an opportunity to make his case on the pitch when Galatasaray faced Barcelona in the Champions League this week.

However, the Nigerian struggled to make a significant impact in the encounter, and reports from Turkey have now suggested that Barcelona have no plans to pursue his signature in either the January transfer window or next summer.

Two major factors could explain why the Catalan club are moving in a different direction.

Barcelona’s attack is already firing on all cylinders without Victor Osimhen

Barcelona’s failure to sign Victor Osimhen and Julián Álvarez has done little to slow their attacking momentum at the start of the season.

The Catalan giants have won all eight of their opening La Liga matches, scoring 24 goals. They have also won their first two Champions League fixtures, finding the net nine times.

Even with Raphinha sidelined through injury, Barcelona have continued to demonstrate their attacking strength, with Gabriel Jesus, Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon contributing to the team’s forward threat.

Fermín López, Karim Adeyemi and Dani Olmo have also provided quality in support.

Their impressive start has settled the nerves of the powers-that-be at Barcelona, who may not longer see the need to invest heavily in another centre-forward in January or next summer.

The club could eventually decide that an upgrade in the position is necessary. However, committing more than €100 million to Osimhen would represent a significant financial decision when the existing attack is producing goals consistently.

Barcelona could therefore explore alternatives who offer a different financial profile rather than pursue the Nigerian at such a high price.

Victor Osimhen failed Barcelona audition

The second reason may be closely tied to Barcelona’s win over Galatasaray in midweek.

Osimhen’s meeting with Barcelona offered him an opportunity to demonstrate the qualities that had made him a top target for the Spanish champions.

However, the Galatasaray forward struggled to influence the game as his team suffered a difficult night at the RAMS Park.

Barcelona traditionally value centre-forwards who combine composure in front of goal with technical ability and intelligent movement. Osimhen did not consistently display those qualities during the encounter.

The Super Eagles forward registered no shots on target, struggled with his first touch on several occasions and was caught offside six times.

Although he had a header ruled out, he found it difficult to win his individual battle against Barcelona’s young defender Pau Cubarsí.

Galatasaray’s struggles in the match also limited the quality of service available to Osimhen, Nigeria’s penalty king in the Champions League. Nevertheless, the striker had opportunities to make a greater impression and was unable to take full advantage of them.

Osimhen’s below-par showing is not surprising, though. The 27-year-old had only recently returned to competitive action following a 35-day injury absence. It was unfair to expect a world-class performance from a man still working his way back to full match sharpness.

One difficult performance should not erase his previous achievements or diminish his reputation as a prolific striker.

Nevertheless, Barcelona’s mind appeared made up regardless and Osimhen’s display against them may have shut the door on a potential future switch to Camp Nou.

The Super Eagles star will not be particularly bothered, though. He is happy at Galatasaray and is playing the best football of his life.