Victor Osimhen transfer: Real reasons Barcelona could still sign Galatasaray striker

The Super Eagles striker is under contract with the Turkish champions until 2029 after Galatasaray completed a club-record €75 million deal to sign him permanently from Napoli last summer following a hugely successful loan spell.

Although rumours continue to link him within Europe’s biggest clubs, Osimhen has already returned to Istanbul for pre-season preparations. The 27-year-old completed his medical tests, rejoined his teammates, and has started training under the Galatasaray coaching staff ahead of the club’s pre-season friendly matches.

Galatasaray have also shown they are determined to keep their star striker. Reports from Turkey claim the club recently turned down an unofficial €120 million offer from an unnamed European giant. Club officials reportedly believe Osimhen is central to their plans as they prepare to defend the Turkish Süper Lig title and compete in the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona’s hopes of signing Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez could be the biggest reason Osimhen remains a realistic option for the Catalan club, as per MundoDeportivo.

According to reports, Barcelona submitted an opening offer worth around €100 million for the Argentine forward, but Atlético Madrid rejected the proposal. The Madrid club are said to be demanding around €120 million as well as a player in exchange, making negotiations increasingly difficult.

If talks for Álvarez eventually collapse, Barcelona already have Osimhen lined up as their leading alternative. Sporting director Deco is reportedly working on several attacking options as the club continues rebuilding its squad under head coach Hansi Flick.

The list of available elite strikers is also becoming increasingly short. Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez is admired at Barcelona but is considered almost impossible to sign because of his importance to the Italian club. Borussia Dortmund target Serhou Guirassy is viewed as a lower-cost backup rather than the club’s first-choice striker.

Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović is also not considered a priority target despite his availability, while Harry Kane remains committed to Bayern Munich after settling in Germany. Chelsea striker João Pedro is another player Barcelona admire, but his expected transfer fee is seen as too expensive.

With several world-class strikers either unavailable, too expensive or simply not fitting Barcelona’s transfer plans, Osimhen continues to stand out as one of the few proven centre-forwards capable of leading the attack. His pace, physical strength, aerial ability and clinical finishing make him a strong fit for Hansi Flick’s system if the move for Álvarez fails.

At the moment, Osimhen remains focused on Galatasaray’s preparations for the new season. However, as long as Barcelona continue searching for a world-class striker, the Super Eagles star is likely to remain firmly on their shortlist throughout the transfer window.