Spanish champions Barcelona have identified Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as a possible long-term replacement for veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the Catalan club at the end of the current season.
According to reports from Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga champions have made signing a new striker a top priority as they begin early preparations for the 2026/27 season. The move is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their attacking line, with Lewandowski nearing the end of his career and facing persistent injury setbacks.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Barcelona are actively monitoring several strikers, including Osimhen, but clarified that no formal negotiations are currently underway.
“There have been rumours from Turkey and Spain suggesting that Barcelona are considering Osimhen as one of their striker targets for summer 2026,” Romano said. “It’s true that Barcelona are studying the market for future strikers. Robert Lewandowski’s contract situation is key here – he’s expected to leave when his deal expires, so Barca are planning ahead. However, what I can tell you is that Osimhen is not negotiating with any club right now. Barcelona are simply gathering information and preparing for future moves. This is standard practice, not active negotiation.”
Osimhen joined Turkish giants Galatasaray permanently from Napoli ahead of the 2025/26 season after a prolific loan spell in which he scored 37 goals in 41 matches across all competitions. Galatasaray paid a record €75 million to secure his services on a four-year contract that runs until 2029.
The Nigerian international currently earns €15 million per year, along with €1 million in loyalty bonuses and €5 million in image rights compensation. A transfer to Barcelona would therefore pose a major financial challenge for the club, given its ongoing budget restrictions.
Reports also reveal that Osimhen’s current contract contains a clause preventing him from joining any Italian club for the next two years, a condition inserted by Napoli during his sale. However, this restriction does not apply to clubs outside Italy.
“That clause doesn’t apply beyond Italy,” Romano explained. “Other clubs can make inquiries, but right now, nothing concrete is happening. Barcelona are just assessing the striker market for 2026.”
With Lewandowski turning 37 in August and struggling with form and fitness, he has gradually lost his place as an undisputed starter under head coach Hansi Flick. The club is reportedly not considering a contract renewal, making the search for a new striker even more pressing.
Barcelona have also been linked with several other forwards in recent months, including Harry Kane, Dusan Vlahovic, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Serhou Guirassy, and Karl Etta Eyong, as part of their plan to rebuild the team’s attack ahead of the next campaign.
If Barcelona decide to pursue Osimhen, the move will test both their financial strength and transfer strategy. The Nigerian forward remains one of Europe’s most valuable attacking assets, admired for his speed, aerial ability, and consistent goal-scoring record.
Osimhen continues to play a key role at Galatasaray, helping the Turkish champions maintain their domestic dominance and European ambitions.
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Barcelona Target Osimhen As Lewandowski’s Successor
Share Spanish champions Barcelona have identified Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as a possible long-term replacement for veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the Catalan club at the end of the current season. According to reports from Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga champions have made signing a new striker a top…
