Why Barcelona opted against signing Osimhen

Barcelona have opted against signing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen this summer despite gathering information on his situation at Galatasaray, with his huge salary demands emerging as the major stumbling block, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Catalan giants have been monitoring the 27-year-old for weeks amid uncertainty over his future in Turkey, where he has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

However, according to Diario SPORT, Barcelona have ruled out a move for Osimhen despite searching for a proven No. 9 to replace Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who left the club at the end of the 2025/26 season to join MLS side Chicago Fire after an illustrious spell with the Catalan giants.

The biggest obstacle is his wage package. Osimhen reportedly earns around €15m net per season, in addition to bonuses and his image rights, while he has shown no willingness to reduce his demands.

Such a financial commitment is considered too high for Barcelona, who are still operating under significant financial restrictions and are unwilling to disrupt their wage structure to accommodate the former Napoli striker.

His transfer fee would also represent a substantial investment, with Galatasaray reportedly valuing him at around €75m. Although his goalscoring record makes him an attractive option, Barcelona have decided that the overall cost of the deal does not make financial sense.

There are also concerns over Osimhen’s temperament, with his personality reportedly viewed as a potential risk to dressing-room harmony. While his ability is not in question, Barcelona are understood to have concluded that the potential complications outweigh the benefits.

Osimhen’s record explains the interest in his services, having scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli before moving to Galatasaray, where he has continued his impressive form with 59 goals in 74 matches.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as one of the strongest contenders for his signature, with the Premier League club reportedly making an opening offer of around €60m, which Galatasaray rejected.

The London club could return with an improved bid as they seek a proven frontman, but for Barcelona, the decision has already been made. Osimhen’s quality is not in doubt; it is the financial package required to secure him that has ended their interest.(Punch)