Barcelona identify Victor Osimhen as potential Ferran Torres replacement

Barcelona have identified Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as their leading option to replace Ferran Torres should the Spain international leave the club, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Torres has one year remaining on his Barcelona contract, but no agreement has been reached over an extension. His future has also reportedly attracted interest from Paris St-Germain, while comments made by the forward in an interview are said to have angered the club’s hierarchy.

In that interview, Torres said his future “isn’t certain” and called on Barcelona to show that they value him. The uncertainty surrounding his position has prompted the club to begin considering possible replacements.

Gerard Romero, a prominent source of information on developments at Barcelona, reports that Osimhen is currently at the top of the club’s list. The Nigeria international is playing for Turkish side Galatasaray, and Barcelona’s interest is understood to be increasing.

Osimhen is being considered not only because of the possibility of Torres departing, but also because of complications surrounding Barcelona’s reported interest in Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international is currently with Atletico Madrid, who are said to be reluctant to lose him.

Reports in Spain claim Atletico have also placed Osimhen on their shortlist, should Alvarez eventually get his wish to join Barcelona. That could create further competition for the Nigerian striker if the Madrid club decide to pursue him.

A fee of about €80m would reportedly be enough for Galatasaray to approve Osimhen’s transfer. Barcelona would therefore need to assess whether such an investment is possible as they plan for changes to their attack.

The club’s interest comes as Torres’ long-term future remains unresolved. The forward is described as being on PSG’s radar, while his comments about the need for Barcelona to demonstrate their appreciation have added to speculation over whether he will remain at Camp Nou beyond the current agreement.

Torres has established himself as an important attacking option for both club and country. He is also noted in the report as the player who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup.

Barcelona’s interest in Osimhen is therefore linked to two separate situations: the lack of progress on a new contract for Torres and the uncertainty around their efforts to sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Should either attacking player become available, the Catalan club now appears to be preparing alternatives, with Osimhen regarded as the preferred candidate.

For Galatasaray, the reported €80m valuation would represent the figure required to sanction a sale, while Atletico’s reported interest could complicate Barcelona’s plans. No agreement has been reported for either Torres’ renewal or Osimhen’s transfer.