FC Barcelona have reportedly identified Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen as one of their targets ahead of the summer transfer window, as the Catalan giants look to reinforce their attacking options.

According to reports from Catalunya Radio, obtained via Tribuna.com, Barcelona have prioritised strengthening the centre-forward position but face major obstacles in pursuing elite names such as Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane due to ongoing financial and structural constraints.

As a result, the club’s sporting department, led by Deco, has shifted focus toward more attainable options, with Osimhen emerging as a leading candidate.

Currently on the books of Galatasaray S.K., the 27-year-old striker is no stranger to Barcelona, having faced Spanish opposition during his time in European competitions. He is highly regarded for his pace, physical presence and consistent goal-scoring record, qualities seen as fitting Barcelona’s evolving tactical needs.

However, a potential move remains far from straightforward. Osimhen’s salary demands could pose a significant hurdle for Barcelona, who continue to operate under strict financial limitations.

Despite the challenges, the Nigerian international is considered a viable option as Barcelona adopt a more pragmatic approach in the transfer market, balancing ambition with economic realities while seeking to rebuild their attacking line for the future.

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Speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen have been put to rest as theNigerian striker has completed a permanent move to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

He signed a four-year contract in a deal worth €75 million, the club announced on Thursday.

The 26-year-old forward, who was on loan from Napoli last season, becomes the most expensive player ever acquired by a Turkish club.

Galatasaray confirmed the fee in a statement that also revealed Osimhen’s annual earnings: a net salary of €15 million per season, a €1 million loyalty bonus, and €5 million in image rights.

The club, which has qualified for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, did not clarify whether the €75 million fee had already been paid in full to Napoli or would be settled in instalments, as reported by local media.

 However, the Turkish giants disclosed that Napoli will receive 10% of the profit from any future sale of the Nigerian star.

Osimhen’s move marks a dramatic turnaround after a tumultuous 2024 summer at Napoli, where he was sidelined and later sent out on loan.

Speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen have been put to rest

 His stint at Galatasaray reignited his form, with the striker netting 26 goals in the Turkish Super Lig last season, helping the Istanbul club secure another league title.

Capped 40 times by Nigeria with 26 goals, Osimhen had joined Napoli in 2020 from French side Lille for a fee close to €80 million, then a record for the Serie A club.

At Galatasaray, Osimhen will form part of a formidable attacking trio alongside Argentine star Mauro Icardi, who is expected to return from injury, and new German signing Leroy Sané, recently acquired from Bayern Munich.

With this blockbuster signing, Galatasaray underlines its ambition to make a serious mark in Europe and dominate domestic football once again.

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Egyptian Premier League side Ittihad of Alexandria have bolstered their squad with the signing of Nigerian forward John Ebuka and midfielder Isaac Saviour as the club continues its aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the new season.

The signing of Isaac Saviour effectively rules him out of the Nigerian squad going to East Africa for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) next month.

Ittihad confirmed on Sunday that Ebuka, 28, has penned a two-year contract following his transfer from Masry.

 The move marks a reunion between Ebuka and Ittihad head coach Ahmed Sami, under whom he previously played at Ceramica Cleopatra.

During their stint together, Ebuka netted three goals and registered one assist in 14 league appearances.

Although Ebuka’s recent spell at Masry yielded just one goal in 12 matches after his January move, Ittihad are banking on his overall experience in the Egyptian topflight to boost their attacking options.

The Nigerian striker has tallied 33 goals and eight assists in 114 league appearances across previous stints with ENPPI, Ceramica Cleopatra, and Masry.

Joining him at the Alexandria-based club is compatriot Isaac Saviour, who featured for Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League last season. Details of Saviour’s contract were not disclosed.

Ittihad’s latest signings are part of a broader summer overhaul. The club recently completed a swap deal with Ceramica Cleopatra that brought in Mohamed Toni and Mohamed Metwally “Kanaria” in exchange for Mohamed El-Maghrabi, while Mahmoud Ajeeb and Nour Alaa also joined as part of the arrangement.

Other arrivals at the club include Abdelrahman Boudy, experienced goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel-Rahim “Genish,” Ahmed Mahmoud, and Mohamed Sami, as Ittihad look to challenge for a higher finish in the upcoming Egyptian Premier League campaign.

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