By Oluwabukunmi
Spanish giants FC Barcelona are reportedly tracking Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose time at Camp Nou is expected to come to an end after the current season.
According to Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, the reigning La Liga champions have placed Osimhen on their radar as part of a strategic plan to reinforce their attacking lineup ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The club’s hierarchy is said to be preparing for life after Lewandowski, who turned 37 in August and has struggled with fitness and form under new manager Hansi Flick. Reports suggest Barcelona are reluctant to extend the Polish striker’s contract, which is due to expire soon.
Transfer market analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Catalan club is actively monitoring potential targets, with Osimhen among several names under consideration.
“There have been rumours from Turkey and Spain suggesting that Barcelona are considering Osimhen as one of their striker targets for summer 2026,” Romano told reporters.
“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, 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, who joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli ahead of the 2025/26 season, has been in superb form since his move. The Super Eagles forward scored 37 goals in 41 matches during his loan spell in the 2024/25 campaign, prompting Galatasaray to secure his signature for a record €75 million on a four-year deal running until 2029.
His current contract reportedly earns him €15 million annually, plus €1 million in loyalty bonuses and €5 million in image rights — figures that could stretch Barcelona’s financial limits as they continue to navigate La Liga’s strict spending controls.
Adding a layer of complexity, Romano revealed that Napoli inserted a two-year clause in the transfer deal preventing Osimhen from joining any Italian club, though the restriction does not apply to teams outside Italy.
“That clause doesn’t apply outside Italy, so other clubs can make inquiries. But right now, nothing is happening — Barcelona are only studying the striker market for 2026,” Romano clarified.
Barcelona are also believed to be monitoring several other forwards as part of their long-term rebuild, including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Dusan Vlahovic, Serhou Guirassy, and Karl Etta Eyong.
With Lewandowski’s influence waning and the club’s attack in need of rejuvenation, the prospect of Osimhen donning the Blaugrana colours offers an enticing glimpse into Barcelona’s post-Lewandowski era — one that could once again be defined by power, pace, and precision in front of goal.
