Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta has urged his former club to sign Victor Osimhen, describing the Nigerian striker as the ideal player to lead the team’s attack following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
The former Spain midfielder believes Barcelona need an experienced goalscorer rather than asking teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to play through the middle. With Atlético Madrid unwilling to sell Julián Álvarez, Iniesta feels Osimhen is the best option available for the Catalan giants.
Speaking to Turkish broadcaster NTV Spor, Iniesta backed the Super Eagles star to become Barcelona’s next number nine.
“Lamine Yamal is a fantastic player, but I would not prefer him playing as a number nine,” Iniesta said. “If Ferran Torres leaves, I would strongly advise Deco to sign a striker. I do not think Atlético Madrid will let Julián Álvarez go. I would suggest they sign Victor Osimhen. He is a fantastic goalscorer and one of the best replacements for Robert Lewandowski.”
Osimhen has continued to strengthen his reputation after another impressive spell with Galatasaray. The Nigerian international played a key role in helping the Turkish champions win the 2025-26 Süper Lig title, scoring 15 league goals and providing five assists in 22 appearances despite missing part of the season through injury and international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 27-year-old also reached another milestone during his time in Turkey, becoming the fastest player in Galatasaray’s history to score 50 goals. He achieved the feat in just 59 appearances, underlining the consistency that has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
Barcelona’s interest in Osimhen comes at a time when the club is searching for a long-term replacement for Lewandowski. Sporting director Deco is understood to have made Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez his first choice, but the Spanish club have made it clear they have no intention of selling the Argentine.
That has forced Barcelona to consider other options, with Osimhen and Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović among the names linked with the club.
However, completing a deal for Osimhen will not be straightforward. His reported salary demands and transfer fee remain major obstacles for Barcelona, who continue to operate under La Liga’s strict financial rules.
Reports suggest the striker had initially been seeking a net salary of around €15 million per season, although he is now believed to be open to accepting a lower wage to help make a move possible.
The transfer fee could prove to be another challenge. Galatasaray are reportedly holding out for between €70 million and €75 million for one of their most valuable players and have shown little willingness to lower their asking price.
Barcelona have already strengthened their attack this summer with the arrivals of Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon, but the club are still searching for a recognised central striker to lead Hansi Flick’s frontline.
The Spanish champions are not alone in the race. Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with Osimhen as the transfer window enters its final weeks.
For now, Barcelona continue to weigh up their options, but Iniesta has made his opinion clear. In the eyes of one of the club’s greatest players, Osimhen has the quality, experience and goalscoring instinct needed to become the next leading striker at the Camp Nou.
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