Barcelona are reportedly exploring long-term options to succeed Robert Lewandowski, with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen emerging as one of the high-profile names under consideration. Ongoing injury concerns and a gradual decline in pace have slowed Lewandowski’s impact, prompting head coach Hansi Flick and the club’s recruitment team to assess alternative attacking profiles.
Despite persistent financial constraints, Barcelona have begun mapping out potential striker targets ahead of next summer. Their ability to act decisively in the transfer market will depend on the resources available, but several options—ranging from attainable prospects to elite stars—are already being evaluated.
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are closely monitoring Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong and Borussia Dortmund’s prolific striker Serhou Guirassy, both viewed as more realistic acquisitions. At the other end of the spectrum, global superstars such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Julián Álvarez have also been discussed internally, though their price tags place them firmly in the “dream signing” category.
Now, Football España reports that Victor Osimhen has been added to Barcelona’s shortlist. The Nigerian international joined Galatasaray from Napoli for a reported €75 million and has impressed this season, scoring six goals in nine appearances. However, with a contract running until 2029, any move for Osimhen would be financially challenging for the Catalan club at present.
Nevertheless, Osimhen’s inclusion highlights the profile Barcelona are targeting: a powerful, fast, and aggressive striker capable of dominating defenders and leading the line. The club is keen to replicate Lewandowski’s influence while injecting greater pace and physicality into their attack. While Lewandowski remains a key figure, his reduced threat in behind has seen Barcelona rely more heavily on hold-up play and midfield support.
Although a transfer for Osimhen appears unlikely in the short term, his presence on Barcelona’s radar underscores the club’s ambition to secure a world-class forward capable of carrying the attacking burden in the post-Lewandowski era.
Osimhen at AFCON 2025
Meanwhile, Osimhen continues to represent Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He played 86 minutes in the Super Eagles’ hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania on December 12, producing an energetic display despite failing to score.
The former Napoli striker will now turn his attention to Nigeria’s crucial Group C encounter against Tunisia. With qualification at stake, the Super Eagles will look to Osimhen’s pace, movement, and finishing to unlock a disciplined Tunisian defence. After showing flashes of his attacking threat in the opening match, fans will be hoping he can register his first goal of the tournament and help Nigeria progress to the knockout stages.
Interest Beyond Barcelona
Osimhen’s performances have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Manchester United were previously reported to be monitoring the striker as they sought attacking reinforcements, though he ultimately completed a permanent move to Galatasaray this summer.
As the AFCON unfolds and Europe’s elite continue to search for elite striking options, Victor Osimhen remains firmly established as one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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