Barcelona turn to Osimhen as Atlético Slstand firm on Álvarez

FC Barcelona are reportedly redirecting their transfer strategy towards Victor Osimhen after encountering significant resistance from Atlético Madrid over a potential move for Julián Álvarez, Sport360NG reports. 

The Catalan side had initially prioritised Álvarez as their main attacking target ahead of the summer window, but negotiations appear increasingly complicated, with Atlético unwilling to sanction a sale under current conditions. Reports from Spain indicate that the Madrid club are determined to retain the Argentine forward unless a substantial offer is made.

Barcelona are exploring striking options as they plan for the long-term replacement of Robert Lewandowski, with both Álvarez and Osimhen identified as leading candidates. However, Atlético’s valuation presents a major stumbling block.

Álvarez is believed to carry a price tag of around €200m, a figure that would place him among the most expensive transfers in football history, behind only Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Atlético, who signed him for €95m in 2024, are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers below €100m.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are said to be considering a bid in the region of €70m, well short of Atlético’s expectations. The club’s ongoing financial limitations further complicate matters, with any potential deal likely to involve a player-plus-cash structure, a proposal Atlético are unlikely to accept.

Given these constraints, attention has now shifted towards Osimhen, who is viewed as a more attainable option. The Nigerian striker is valued at approximately €75m, a figure closer to Barcelona’s financial capacity. He currently plays for Galatasaray, though it remains uncertain whether the Turkish side would be willing to sell without demanding a higher fee.

With Atlético no longer under financial pressure to offload key players, Barcelona face an uphill battle to secure Álvarez. Unless a significantly improved offer is submitted, the Spanish champions are expected to prioritise alternative targets, with Osimhen emerging as a leading option.