Barcelona Pull Out Of Race For Osimhen

Spanish champions Barcelona have reportedly ended their interest in signing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian international’s salary expectations and the overall cost of a potential transfer proving too expensive for the Catalan club.

The La Liga giants had been monitoring Osimhen’s situation at Galatasaray as they searched for a reliable replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who departed after the 2025/26 season to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

However, reports from Spanish outlet Diario SPORT indicate that Barcelona have decided against pursuing a deal after assessing the financial implications of signing the prolific forward.

Osimhen is reportedly earning around €15 million net annually, excluding bonuses and image rights, and is said to be unwilling to reduce his wage demands.

Barcelona, still operating under strict financial constraints, are reluctant to upset their salary structure to accommodate such a package.

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In addition to his wages, Galatasaray are believed to value the 27-year-old striker at around €75 million, making the total cost of the transfer significantly higher than the club is prepared to commit.

Despite acknowledging Osimhen’s outstanding goalscoring record and reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards, Barcelona concluded that the financial outlay would not represent a sustainable investment.

The report also suggested that concerns over the striker’s temperament and his potential impact on dressing-room harmony influenced the club’s decision, although his footballing ability remains highly rated.

With Barcelona stepping away from negotiations, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain as the summer transfer window continues, with several other European clubs expected to monitor his situation.