Barcelona Snub Victor Osimhen Transfer Approach, Prioritise Julián Álvarez Signing

FC Barcelona will not be entering the race for Victor Osimhen this transfer window, according to Diario Sport. The Spanish publication reports that intermediaries approached the Catalan club with the possibility of signing the Nigeria international, only to be turned away as the club’s sporting hierarchy remains firmly committed to pursuing Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.

Barcelona’s preference for Álvarez is understood to be rooted in the club’s long-term planning. According to reports, club officials view the Argentine international as the ideal profile to eventually succeed veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, whose future at the Camp Nou is expected to wind down in the coming seasons. Álvarez is reportedly seen as fitting the club’s tactical identity and long-term project, making him the clear priority for the upcoming summer window.

The decision to pass on Osimhen is notable given the Nigerian striker’s extraordinary output since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. Across all competitions for the Turkish club, the Super Eagles forward has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances — a return that has helped Galatasaray claim two league titles and a Turkish Cup. Those figures have cemented his standing among the most sought-after centre-forwards in world football, a view shared by Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk, who described Osimhen as being “among the world’s top three to five strikers.”

Despite Barcelona’s withdrawal, the 27-year-old has no shortage of suitors. According to reports, Manchester United regard Osimhen as a leading candidate to lead their attack next season as the club continues its rebuild under manager Michael Carrick. Speculation has also linked the striker with Real Madrid, with reports suggesting José Mourinho’s potential involvement in the club’s future plans could be a factor in that interest.

Atlético Madrid have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Osimhen — though that scenario is contingent on Álvarez departing the club. A move to the Spanish capital would see Osimhen link up with compatriot and fellow Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, who joined Atlético from Atalanta. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely, sources suggest.

Osimhen’s current club situation adds further complexity to his transfer picture. Pulse Sports previously reported that Galatasaray settled a debt owed to the striker, a development that may have implications for any permanent transfer negotiations involving Napoli, who retain his registration. His loan deal in Istanbul has kept him out of the Serie A club’s plans, and a resolution to his long-term future is expected to be one of the more closely followed transfer sagas of the summer.

With the 2026 summer transfer window approaching, Barcelona’s focus on Álvarez signals a clear strategic direction for the club’s attacking rebuild, leaving the door open for several competing clubs to make their move for one of African football’s most prolific strikers.