AFCON 2025
Popular football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has denied reports that Barcelona are in negotiations to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the 2026 summer window.
Reports circulating online suggest that the Catalan Giants are lining up the 27-year-old striker as a replacement for veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who is currently injured.
Victor Osimhen made a permanent move to Galatasaray this summer after a successful loan spell last season, during which he led the team to a domestic treble, scoring 34 goals across all competitions.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Barcelona are indeed considering a move for a striker as a replacement for Lewandowski, whose contract expires next summer, but are not in negotiations with Galatasaray for Osimhen.
“For sure, Barcelona are looking for strikers for 2026, that’s important to say because {Robert} Lewandowski is out of contract and has concrete chances of leaving the club on a free,” Romano stated.
“So Barcelona are looking for strikers,” Romano said. “But at the moment, Osimhen is not negotiating or talking with any club.”
“Barcelona internally are following several strikers’ situations to be informed, making some calls to understand the potential markets for the strikers.
“For a big club, it is normal to make calls and prepare for the market. It doesn’t mean you’re negotiating.
“Barcelona are not negotiating for Osimhen today (Wednesday, October 29), and Osimhen is focused on Galatasaray. That’s very important to say. Barcelona are just trying to understand the strikers.”
Osimhen currently has six goals in nine matches across all competitions this season.
Meanwhile, the striker says he hopes to help the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup ahead of the continental playoffs next month.
