Victor Osimhen Barcelona Transfer Gains Ground as Julian Alvarez Agent Denies Move

Barcelona’s summer transfer plans are shifting following a firm denial from Julian Alvarez’s camp over speculation linking the Argentine striker to a move to the Catalan club. The development has brought Nigerian international Victor Osimhen into sharper focus as a realistic attacking target ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Fernando Hidalgo, Alvarez’s agent, rejected reports — including claims that members of the player’s family had been scouting properties in Barcelona — with unambiguous language. “1000% a lie,” Hidalgo told Mundo Deportivo, before elaborating: “No one from the family has been in Barcelona. The last time was for the match against Atletico Madrid, and they returned to Madrid the following day. Complete nonsense.”

The categorical rebuttal adds another layer of difficulty to Barcelona’s hopes of securing Alvarez, whose transfer valuation had already presented a significant challenge for the financially constrained La Liga club. With that avenue appearing increasingly unlikely, attention within the club is turning toward alternatives.

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has emerged as one of the most prominent names under consideration. According to reports, Barcelona sporting director Deco holds the 26-year-old Nigerian forward in high regard, and the club are reportedly prepared to submit a bid of up to €100 million to secure his signature. Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan in September 2024 after his proposed move away from Napoli collapsed during the summer transfer window.

Despite reports suggesting Barcelona still consider Osimhen a secondary option rather than their first-choice target, a growing section of the club’s fanbase appears to disagree. Supporters have publicly backed the Super Eagles striker to be elevated to lead target status, pointing to his consistent goalscoring record, his effectiveness in high-pressing systems, and his ability inside the penalty area as justifications.

The primary concern surrounding a potential deal is financial. Osimhen’s reported salary demands could prove difficult to accommodate within Barcelona’s current wage structure, and sources suggest the player may need to adjust his expectations for the transfer to become viable. Barcelona have spent recent seasons navigating significant economic constraints, registering players under La Liga’s financial fair play regulations — known as financial levers — to comply with the league’s salary cap rules.

Osimhen has been one of African football’s most productive centre-forwards in recent years. He finished as Serie A’s top scorer during the 2022-23 campaign with 26 goals, a performance that helped Napoli to their first league title in 33 years. His form at Galatasaray has continued to attract attention from Europe’s leading clubs.

With Alvarez’s representatives closing the door on any Barcelona move for now, the Spanish club may find themselves with limited options at centre-forward and increasing pressure to formalise their interest in Osimhen before competing clubs enter the picture.