By Dorcas Francis Koji
Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has urged the Catalan giants to make Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen their next attacking leader, describing the Nigerian forward as the ideal successor to Robert Lewandowski following the veteran striker’s reported move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
The former Spain and Barcelona midfield maestro believes Osimhen possesses the qualities needed to spearhead Hansi Flick’s attack, especially with Atletico Madrid unwilling to negotiate the sale of Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, who remains Barcelona’s preferred transfer target.
Speaking in an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV Spor, Iniesta threw his support behind the Nigerian international.
“Lamine Yamal is a fantastic player, but I would not prefer him playing as a number nine. If Ferran Torres leaves, I would strongly advise Deco to sign a striker,” Iniesta said.
“I don’t think Atletico Madrid will allow Julián Álvarez to leave. I would suggest they sign Victor Osimhen. He is a fantastic goalscorer and one of the best replacements for Robert Lewandowski.”
Osimhen’s reputation has continued to soar after another impressive campaign with Galatasaray, where he played a key role in the club’s successful 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig title defence.
The Nigerian striker scored 15 league goals and registered five assists in just 22 appearances despite missing several matches through injury and international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He also etched his name into Galatasaray history by becoming the fastest player to score 50 goals for the club, reaching the milestone in only 59 appearances. His brace against Antalyaspor secured the league title, while his goal in the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce marked a successful return from injury.
Despite growing interest from Europe’s top clubs, Osimhen’s wage demands remain one of the biggest obstacles to a transfer.
Reports indicate the 26-year-old is seeking a net salary of around €15 million per season, in addition to performance-related bonuses. Under Spain’s taxation system, such a package would significantly impact Barcelona’s wage structure and complicate the club’s efforts to comply with La Liga’s financial regulations.
However, recent reports suggest Osimhen is now prepared to accept a substantial salary reduction in order to secure a move to Spain. A similar compromise was reportedly offered during discussions with Atletico Madrid, although the Spanish club declined to pursue the deal after deciding to retain Julián Álvarez.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, remain determined to keep hold of one of their prized assets and are reportedly demanding between €70 million and €75 million for the Nigerian striker.
Barcelona sporting director Deco continues to prioritise a move for Álvarez, but Atletico Madrid have shown no intention of selling the Argentine international.
Although Barcelona have strengthened their attacking options with the arrivals of Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon, the club is still searching for a recognised central striker. Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović has also been linked as another possible option.
With Barcelona’s financial challenges threatening to delay any move, Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Osimhen’s situation as the summer transfer window approaches its closing stages.
For now, Osimhen remains one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, with his next move expected to dominate transfer headlines in the coming weeks.
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