Victor Osimhen on alert again as Barcelona make Alvarez transfer U-turn

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has re-emerged as a talking point in Barcelona's transfer plans after the club executed a strategic U-turn, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The Nigerian international has been heavily linked with a move to Catalonia this summer, especially following Robert Lewandowski's departure, leaving the club in urgent need of a world-class replacement.

​Initially, the Blaugrana's primary target was Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.

However, negotiations hit a massive wall. Although the player has reportedly expressed a desire to leave, Los Colchoneros have adopted an uncompromising stance.

They are insisting that they will not do business this summer unless Barcelona triggers Álvarez's impossible €500 million release clause.

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​Faced with this stubborn resistance, reports indicate that the reigning La Liga champions are now exploring alternative options in the market.

​Which Strikers Are Barcelona Looking At?

​Aside from previous links to Darwin Núñez, Harry Kane, and Gonçalo Ramos, The Athletic reports that Barcelona have made contact with Bournemouth regarding the availability of Eli Kroupi Jr.

​The young French striker burst onto the scene last summer, contributing 13 goals in 33 games with his dynamic play, capable of operating as both a central forward and a winger.

​However, Bournemouth are demanding a staggering €130 million to sanction a sale for a player they acquired for just €12 million a year ago. If the Cherries maintain this valuation for the 20-year-old, a deal is highly unlikely to materialize.

​Will Barcelona Circle Back to Victor Osimhen?

​If the pursuit of Kroupi falls through, the door could swing back open for Osimhen.

​However, two major roadblocks remain. The Nigerian will have high wage demands just as Galatasaray have a very high valuation. The Turkish club is reportedly asking upwards of €120 million to let him go.

Although Barcelona have the financial capacity to match that transfer fee, Osimhen would likely need to accept a pay cut or performance-based incentives to fit into their wage structure.

​In the meantime, the 27-year-old marksman continues to attract interest from other elite European sides, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich.

​While Osimhen has consistently maintained that he is happy at Galatasaray, the dynamic nature of the transfer market means a desperate European giant could swoop in before the window shuts — whether it turns out to be Barcelona or another heavyweight suitor.