FC Barcelona has reportedly identified Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as a primary alternative as their pursuit of Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez hits a significant roadblock.
According to Punch Sports Extra, the Catalan giants are shifting their focus to the Nigerian forward due to Atlético’s “hard-line” stance on Álvarez. While Barcelona had pinpointed the Argentine World Cup winner as the ideal successor to Robert Lewandowski, several factors have complicated the deal:
- Valuation Gap: Atlético Madrid, who signed Álvarez for €95m in 2024, are reportedly demanding a fee exceeding €100m (with some reports citing a valuation as high as €200m). Barcelona, constrained by ongoing financial difficulties, are only prepared to offer around €70m, potentially including a player-plus-cash arrangement that Atlético is expected to reject.
- The Osimhen Alternative: With the Álvarez deal stalling, Barcelona views Osimhen as a more “attainable” elite option. Currently at Galatasaray (where he moved for €75m in 2025), Osimhen’s market value is estimated at €75m–€100m.
- Performance Stats: Osimhen’s appeal remains high following a stellar 2025/26 season in Turkey, where he has already recorded 12 goals and 4 assists in 19 Süper Lig appearances, alongside a strong showing in the UEFA Champions League.
Atlético Madrid President Enrique Cerezo recently lashed out at the media regarding the speculation, reinforcing that Álvarez is a “central figure” in their long-term project and remains under a long-term contract
