Victor Osimhen back on Barcelona radar as Alvarez move stalls

Victor Osimhen has reappeared as a serious option for Barcelona’s attack after the Spanish champions abandoned their initial pursuit of Julian Alvarez, according to Soccernet.ng.

The Super Eagles forward has been repeatedly linked with a move to Catalonia this summer, with Barcelona in the market for a top-level centre-forward following the departure of Robert Lewandowski. Club chiefs are under pressure to secure a replacement capable of leading the line immediately.

Barcelona had initially focused their efforts on Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez, identified as the preferred candidate to spearhead the next phase of their rebuild. However, talks over a deal have effectively collapsed.

Atletico are understood to be refusing to negotiate any fee for Alvarez and have instead pointed Barcelona towards the Argentine’s €500m release clause – a figure that is viewed as completely unworkable by the Camp Nou hierarchy. Reports suggest the player is open to leaving, but Atletico’s stance has left Barcelona with little room for manoeuvre.

With that avenue effectively blocked, the La Liga champions have begun to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.

Kroupi contact made as alternatives assessed

Alongside long-standing interest in Darwin Nunez, Harry Kane and Goncalo Ramos, The Athletic reports that Barcelona have sounded out Bournemouth over the situation of Eli Kroupi Jr.

Kroupi, a young French forward, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, scoring 13 goals in 33 appearances. His versatility – being comfortable both through the middle and in wide attacking roles – has made him an attractive target for clubs seeking a modern, mobile striker.

Bournemouth, though, are said to have responded with a huge asking price. The Premier League side, who signed Kroupi for just €12m a year ago, are now demanding around €130m to consider a sale. Given that valuation for the 20-year-old, any agreement is viewed as improbable unless the English club significantly soften their stance.

Should Barcelona walk away from negotiations for Kroupi, attention could shift once more towards Osimhen.

Osimhen interest tempered by cost

Osimhen has been on Barcelona’s list for some time, but two major obstacles have continued to complicate any potential move.

The Nigerian forward is expected to command a sizeable salary, while his club Galatasaray are reported to value him at more than €120m. That figure reflects his status as one of their key assets and a prolific 27-year-old striker in his prime.

Barcelona are thought to have the financial means to pay such a transfer fee if required, but the wage structure at the club remains tightly controlled. Any move for Osimhen would almost certainly depend on the player agreeing to reduced fixed wages or a contract heavily weighted towards performance-related bonuses.

Meanwhile, Osimhen remains a player in demand across Europe. Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich are all monitoring his situation as they assess their own attacking options before the window closes.

The forward has repeatedly stressed that he is content at Galatasaray, yet the shifting dynamics of the transfer market could still alter the picture. With several leading clubs seeking a proven striker and Barcelona reconsidering their plans after the Alvarez setback, there is still time for a major bid to emerge – whether from the Camp Nou or another of Europe’s heavyweights.