Victor Osimhen dropped as Barcelona make €90 million-rated striker top priority

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is no longer a primary target for Barcelona, as the Catalan giants have shifted their focus toward another elite striker for the upcoming summer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Over the last few months, Osimhen had been heavily linked with a high-profile move to the Camp Nou.

The Nigerian international only recently joined Galatasaray from Napoli in a blockbuster €75 million deal last summer, but rumors suggested the Blaugrana viewed him as the ideal long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.

​However, the valuation required to pry Osimhen away from the Cimbom—rumored to be between €75m and €150m—presents a significant hurdle for Barcelona as they continue to navigate a tough financial situation.

Also, a move so soon after his arrival in Turkey seemed unlikely, especially given Osimhen’s consistent public professions of loyalty to the Galatasaray faithful.

​Now, it appears Barcelona have officially cooled their interest in the 27-year-old, identifying a different profile to lead their attack.

​Not Victor Osimhen: Barcelona Turn to Julián Alvarez

​According to prominent Barcelona reporter Reshad Rahman, the club has made Atletico Madrid striker Julián Alvarez their top priority for the summer.

​The Argentine marksman is regarded as one of the most clinical finishers in world football and has been in brilliant form since his €75 million switch from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid in 2024.

The 26-year-old’s versatility is a major asset. He is equally great at playing as a traditional number nine or as a second striker. In his 101 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, Alvarez has been highly productive, contributing 47 goals and 16 assists.

​Tactically, many believe Alvarez’s technical proficiency and link-up play make him a more natural fit for the Barcelona system than the more direct Osimhen.

​However, securing his services will be far from easy. Alvarez is currently valued at €90 million by Transfermarkt, and Atletico Madrid—notoriously difficult negotiators—are expected to demand a fee significantly higher than that.

With four years remaining on his contract, Atletico hold all the cards. Barcelona are banking on the hope that Alvarez might push for the move, though it remains a very complex deal to finalize.

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​As for Osimhen, a departure from Istanbul seems increasingly unlikely. Having signed a four-year contract with Galatasaray, the club is determined to see the Super Eagles talisman repay their massive financial investment on the pitch.