By Danjuma Amodu | February 9, 2026
Barcelona is considering Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
The Catalan club’s sporting director, Deco, is keen on bringing Osimhen to Camp Nou this summer as part of their long-term rebuilding strategy.
Osimhen, who currently plays for Turkish champions Galatasaray, has been in impressive form since moving to the Istanbul-based club, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most deadly and sought-after strikers.
However, Galatasaray president, Dursun Ozbek, has insisted that the Nigerian star’s contract contains no release clause, dismissing speculation that the player could leave the Turkish champions through a pre-arranged transfer fee.
Speaking in an interview with Turkish outlet Fanatik, Ozbek rejected reports linking the striker with top European clubs such as Juventus and Bayern Munich. “There is no release clause in Osimhen’s contract. He is an extremely successful footballer who will serve Galatasaray for many years,” Ozbek said.
The Galatasaray chief noted that while the €75 million fee paid to secure Osimhen’s permanent transfer from Napoli in 2025 was initially considered expensive, the striker’s performances have significantly increased his market value. Osimhen’s market value now suggests that the Turkish club could demand as much as €150 million should any club attempt to lure the forward away from Istanbul.
Osimhen, 27, first joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September 2024 before the deal was made permanent the following year. Since then, the former African Footballer of the Year has become one of the most prolific goal scorers in European football, scoring an impressive 53 goals in 65 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish side.
His consistent scoring record has not only strengthened Galatasaray’s attacking strength but also attracted renewed attention from several top clubs across Europe. Only recently, former Barcelona and France forward Thierry Henry publicly suggested that the Catalan club needs a top-quality striker capable of leading the line, naming Osimhen among the players who could fill that role.
With his contract at Galatasaray running until June 2029, the Nigerian striker’s long-term future appears secure at the club. Nevertheless, growing interest from Europe’s elite teams like Juventus, PSG, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and a host of others suggests that the coming transfer window could spark a major battle for the services of one of Africa’s most valuable football stars
