La Liga giants FC Barcelona are reportedly shifting their focus to Victor Osimhen after Atlético Madrid reiterated their firm stance on retaining Julián Álvarez.
Barcelona had reportedly identified Álvarez as their prime target for the summer transfer window, but the Atlético striker is proving challenging to acquire, according to Spanish reports via Football España. The Catalan club are considering both Álvarez and Osimhen as potential successors to veteran forward Robert Lewandowski.
Álvarez is reportedly valued at €200m, although Atlético secured him for €95m in 2024 and are unwilling to sell unless an offer surpasses €100m. Barcelona, grappling with ongoing financial constraints, are understood to be prepared to table an offer of around €70m—significantly below Atlético’s valuation. A player-plus-cash proposal is expected to be rebuffed by Atlético.
With discussions for Álvarez reaching an impasse, Barcelona are now concentrating on Osimhen, who is valued at approximately €75m. This figure aligns with what Galatasaray SK paid for the Nigerian striker last summer, though it remains uncertain if the Turkish club would demand a higher transfer fee.
“If Atleti maintain their unyielding position, it’s logical for Barcelona to explore other avenues. Osimhen is considered a more achievable option than the 2022 World Cup winner,” the report added.
Atlético are no longer under the same financial pressure as in previous years, which lessens the probability of a forced sale. While they have no immediate plans to offload him, a substantially improved offer could alter their position—but Barcelona now recognise that any realistic prospect of signing the Argentine would necessitate a bid exceeding €100m.
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