Barcelona are looking for a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is increasingly likely to leave due to his age, physical problems and high salary. The latest name linked with the ‘Blaugrana’ is Victor Osimhen, who the Catalan club have followed in the past.
Barcelona are starting to monitor some players in view of next season. The main issue concerns the attack: Robert Lewandowski, whose contract is expiring, no longer offers the guarantees he once did. Physical problems, advanced age and a high salary are pushing the club to seriously consider a future without him.
The Polish striker, who has been out for several weeks with an injury to the biceps femoris muscle of his left thigh, has missed the last three matches, including the ‘Clasico’ lost against Real Madrid. In his absence, Ferran Torres has been adapted to the centre of the attack, but the Spaniard has never managed to exceed 20 goals in a season: this year he has scored five in eleven matches. Too little for a team that, over the years, has lived off the avalanche of goals from champions like Suárez, Eto’o or Messi.
For this reason, within the ‘Blaugrana’ camp, the idea of intervening in the market in search of a new centre-forward is becoming increasingly concrete. After rumours of a possible interest in Dusan Vlahovic, now Victor Osimhen is back on the ‘Cules’ radar, as reported by ‘Mundo Deportivo’.
The Nigerian had already been followed by Barcelona in the past, but at that time Napoli rejected any attempt at negotiation. Today the situation has changed: Victor Osimhen has moved to Galatasaray SK, who bought him for 75 million euros and made him sign a contract until 2029.
His performance in Turkey has been exceptional: 37 goals in 41 matches overall, figures that have brought him back to the centre of the European market. Barcelona, however, will have to reckon with their economic situation and the strict rules of financial fair play.
The key could be the player’s will, who may want to take the big leap in his career and shine at the Camp Nou.