Barcelona are set to go head-to-head with arch-rivals Real Madrid in the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen this summer. Both La Liga powerhouses have their eyes on the prolific Napoli forward, who’s currently enjoying a red-hot loan spell at Galatasaray, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Since making a surprise move to the Turkish champions last summer, Osimhen has been in blistering form—netting 29 goals in 33 competitive appearances and lighting up the Turkish Super Lig.
According to Diario AS, Barcelona view Osimhen as a strong alternative to Robert Lewandowski. Although the club still sees the Polish striker as a key figure in their attack, they remain open to new market opportunities that could bolster their squad.
Osimhen’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Top clubs across Europe are lining up for a shot at signing the 26-year-old once his loan deal ends. While he’s expected to return to Napoli, tensions with the club’s board make a permanent stay in Italy unlikely—potentially opening the door to a cut-price transfer.
However, Barça will face fierce competition from Real Madrid. According to Fichajes, Los Blancos are considering Osimhen as a potential replacement for Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger is reportedly attracting blockbuster offers from Saudi Arabia, with Madrid president Florentino Perez said to be open to letting him go—possibly for a world-record fee of €300 million (£255 million).
If Vinicius departs, Madrid could turn to Osimhen as their ideal target. With Napoli potentially offloading the striker for around €72 million (£62 million), a deal would be easily covered by the potential windfall.
Meanwhile, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has ruled out any move to domestic rivals Juventus. Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss via Calciomercato, he declared, “No! Never at Juventus.”
Several Premier League sides—Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea—have also shown interest. However, Chelsea are believed to have pulled out of the race, shifting their focus to other targets like Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.
On his part, Osimhen remains tight-lipped about his future. “There are always rumours about me, but I live in the moment,” he said. “I’m enjoying this now. The fans have supported me incredibly—not just me, but also my teammates and my family. The best decision will be made for everyone, but Galatasaray will always be in my heart.”
Osimhen initially joined Galatasaray on loan after a move to Saudi side Al-Ahli collapsed last summer. He previously scored 76 goals and registered 12 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli, helping them clinch their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022/23 campaign.
With a proven record in both Serie A and Turkey, Victor Osimhen is poised to be at the centre of one of this summer’s most high-profile transfer battles between Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
