Fabrizio Romano Debunks Osimhen Transfer Talk as Barcelona and Man United Circle Galatasaray Striker

Victor Osimhen’s transfer situation has generated a wave of conflicting reports this summer, but transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has moved to dispel one of the more prominent narratives circulating about the 27-year-old Super Eagles striker.

According to Romano, Osimhen does not currently employ a football agent, choosing instead to represent himself in all professional matters. That structural reality makes it highly improbable that any club or intermediary could be engineering an exit behind the Nigerian’s back — directly contradicting recent reports suggesting that, despite Osimhen’s public declarations of commitment to Galatasaray, those close to him were quietly working to secure a return to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The speculation intensified following comments from Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle, who appeared to confirm that Osimhen had been left out of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal in order to focus on resolving his club future. The remarks were widely interpreted as an implicit acknowledgement that a transfer was imminent.

However, Osimhen moved quickly to address the fallout. The striker took to Instagram to state that Chelle’s comments had been completely misconstrued and blown out of proportion, reaffirming his connection to the Istanbul club and distancing himself from the transfer rumours.

Despite the denials, European interest in Osimhen remains active. FC Barcelona are reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation most closely, with sources suggesting the Catalan side view the forward as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski. Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the striker, according to reports.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli in the summer of 2024, having been frozen out at the Italian club following a contractual dispute. He delivered an exceptional campaign in Turkey, scoring prolifically and earning widespread recognition as one of the most effective strikers in European football that season. His performances reignited interest from top clubs across the continent.

The Nigerian international has previously been the subject of sustained interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League clubs, with his release clause and wage demands historically complicating potential moves. His current arrangement at Galatasaray, combined with his decision to operate without representation, adds further complexity to any prospective transfer in the upcoming window.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon — a tournament for which Nigeria will be hoping Osimhen plays a central role — the resolution of his club situation carries implications beyond the transfer market. Chelle’s Super Eagles face friendlies against Poland and Portugal as part of their pre-tournament preparations, fixtures from which Osimhen has been excused pending clarity on his future.