Victor Osimhen: Two La Liga giants set to lock horns for Super Eagles talisman

Two of Spanish football’s biggest clubs will likely have their summer transfer window shaped to revolve around Nigeria and Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, Afrik-Foot reports.

Barcelona have reportedly identified the Super Eagles striker as a long-term solution to their centre-forward needs, with Robert Lewandowski approaching the twilight of his glittering career. Club officials are believed to admire Osimhen’s pace, power and penalty-box ruthlessness, viewing him as a forward capable of leading their attack for years to come.

But the Catalan giants are no longer alone.

Atlético Madrid have now entered the race, setting the stage for a potential heavyweight tussle between two of La Liga’s biggest forces.

Reports suggest Barcelona have shown interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen🇳🇬✨
With Galatasaray placing an €80m release clause in his contract amid that speculation, but no official bid or agreement has been confirmed by any of the clubs involved🦅🔥 pic.twitter.com/azDRpdq692

— Super Eagles Supporters Club (@official_esclub) February 12, 2026

Diego Simeone’s side are planning a major refresh of their attacking options and see Osimhen as the ideal focal point of their next rebuild.

The move follows Atlético’s January capture of Ademola Lookman, Osimhen’s Super Eagles teammate, in a deal reportedly worth €35 million plus bonuses. Their partnership proved devastating during the Africa Cup of Nations, where the duo spearheaded Nigeria’s run to a third-place finish, a connection Atlético now hope to recreate in Spain.

Simeone targets Victor Osimhen as summer priority

Reports suggest Osimhen has become Simeone’s top striker target for the end of the season.

To finance a blockbuster deal, Atlético are said to be open to selling Norwegian forward Alexander Sørloth should a suitable offer arrive. The club believes offloading the striker could provide a major portion of the funds required for what would be one of the biggest signings in their history.

Galatasaray, however, remain in a strong position. The Turkish champions signed Osimhen permanently in a landmark deal last year and still have more than three years left on his contract. They are understood to have placed a €80 million valuation on their prized asset.

Osimhen’s numbers continue to justify the interest. After scoring 37 goals and registering eight assists last season, the 27-year-old has maintained his prolific form with 15 goals in 21 appearances this campaign across domestic and European competitions.

Despite the growing attention, the striker’s personal stance may yet prove decisive. Osimhen had come close to joining top European clubs such as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Juventus before opting for Galatasaray. It is a significant reminder that any summer move will depend as much on his ambition as on financial power.

Victor Osimhen has already impressed in one of Europe’s major leagues, firing the goals that lifted Napoli to a Scudetto triumph in 2023.