Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen might not be moving to Barcelona this summer, as the newly crowned Spanish champions have intensified their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julián Alvarez, Afrik-Foot reports.
Osimhen’s future remains one of the most prominent talking points in the transfer market.
The Nigerian superstar joined Galatasaray from Napoli last summer in a high-profile loan switch, though he was heavily linked to elite clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid at the time. Because none of those moves materialized, speculation surrounding his next permanent destination has continued.
Just last month, reports emerged that Barcelona were seriously considering a swoop for Osimhen as a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is set to leave the Camp Nou as a free agent. However, that move now looks increasingly unlikely.
Barcelona Begin Talks For Julián Alvarez
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Barcelona are preparing a formal €100 million bid for Julián Alvarez. The La Liga champions seem determined to wrap up their primary transfer business early, having already put the finishing touches on the signing of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.
Although Atletico Madrid have not yet accepted the opening proposal, the Blaugrana are expected to push hard to secure the Argentine hitman, who has already informed Los Colchoneros of his desire to leave.
With Atletico reportedly holding out for a figure closer to €120 million to €150 million, it remains to be seen if the two Spanish giants can reach an agreement.
What’s Next For Victor Osimhen?
With Barcelona prioritizing Alvarez, Osimhen’s chances of securing a dream move to the Catalan capital have grown slim. Barcelona would likely only revisit a move for the Super Eagles ace if negotiations for the Argentine completely collapse.
Fortunately for Osimhen, elite options remain on the table. Real Madrid and Chelsea are both firmly in the market for a dependable, world-class goal poacher and possess the financial muscle to launch a bid this summer.
If Alvarez finalizes his switch to Barcelona, it could trigger a striker domino effect across Europe, leaving the remaining heavyweight suitors to battle it out for Osimhen.
Although the 27-year-old marksman has always spoken about how he loves the life and the love at Galatasaray, he will definitely have eyes on a bigger club in the near future.
For Osimhen to cement his legacy as one of the best that the continent has ever produced, he will have to play and win laurels in one of the top five European league. Time will tell where the former African Footballer of the Year takes his talents next.
