Amid the busy summer transfer window, the future of Victor Osimhen is once again up for debate. The Nigerian striker, who shined with 37 goals in 41 games during his loan at Galatasaray, seems to have his days numbered at Napoli. Under Antonio Conte, the Italian club doesn’t see him as part of their plans, and his exit looks likely.

Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, added more fuel to the fire, saying from the national team camp that Osimhen will be transferred soon. “Victor, to me, is the best striker in the world. With the transfer window open, a player like him can’t be 100% focused. I have to protect him physically and mentally because he’s going to be sold,” he told BBC Sport Africa. Chelle even mentioned some big-name clubs: “Maybe a team like Manchester United. Or maybe Barcelona, Chelsea, or Real Madrid.”

FC Barcelona’s firm stance

However, the sporting department at FC Barcelona denied the rumors. Despite Chelle’s praise and all the buzz, the Blaugrana ruled out signing a striker this summer. “Right now, we’re not looking for that position. We have Lewandowski, he’s our number 9,” said Deco, the club’s sporting director, firmly at the Dirigentes congress.

Barça’s sports plan sticks to trusting Robert Lewandowski as their main striker for the 2025/26 season. After scoring 42 goals in 52 games last season, the experienced Polish forward remains the coaching staff’s top pick, so no major signings for a similar striker are expected.

So, despite the buzz around Osimhen’s potential exit from Napoli and his coach’s comments placing him among Europe’s elite, FC Barcelona doesn’t seem like a real option for the Nigerian. While his future is being sorted out, the striker will continue to be one of the main names in this transfer market.