Barcelona eye Victor Osimhen as Lewandowski successor

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎Barcelona are reportedly preparing an ambitious move for Victor Osimhen as they plan for life after Robert Lewandowski.
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‎According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club is “definitely” in the market for a new centre-forward, with a “real possibility” that Lewandowski will depart when his contract expires in June.
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‎Romano revealed that Osimhen is one of several elite strikers on Barcelona’s shortlist, with the club actively making inquiries to stay updated on the striker market.
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‎His comments echo those of Gabriel Sans, Barcelona correspondent for Mundo Deportivo, who told Turkish outlet Radyospor that Hansi Flick’s team has added Osimhen to their list of transfer targets. Sans explained that Barça are “keeping a close eye” on the Nigerian forward and that he is “definitely a player they want.”
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‎Interestingly, a clause in the 26-year-old’s Galatasaray contract reportedly prevents him from joining any Italian side for the next two years — a factor that could make Barça’s pursuit smoother.
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‎Galatasaray signed Osimhen from Napoli for €75 million last summer following his successful loan spell, and the Turkish champions are expected to demand an even higher fee to let him go.
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‎While Mundo Deportivo isn’t always the most dependable source for transfer news, Romano’s confirmation adds weight to the claims that Barcelona are genuinely monitoring Osimhen ahead of potential talks.
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‎Osimhen’s incredible goal-scoring form — 43 goals in 50 appearances for Galatasaray — continues to draw attention across Europe, while also striking fear into Cameroon’s camp ahead of the African playoffs.
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‎Napoli’s failed attempt to keep him last year saw Osimhen dropped from their squad before Galatasaray stepped in to secure him on loan, later finalizing a permanent deal.
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‎Barcelona, however, still has other striker options. Reports suggest that Dusan Vlahovic and Julian Alvarez are other names on their list, while Julian Alvarez seems uncertain as a result of his price tag- potentially around €200 million (£176m / $232m) — making him far less attainable. Dusan Vlahovic, the Serbian forward, is possibly available on a free transfer next summer — a move that could save the club around €75 million.