Barcelona line up £60m striker as Osimhen alternative

Barcelona have identified Marcus Thuram as a potential alternative to Victor Osimhen should a move for the Nigerian striker prove financially unworkable this summer.

Afrik Foot reports the Catalan club are assessing forward options ahead of a possible transition from Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave at the end of the season. Reinforcing the central striker position is viewed internally as a priority.

Osimhen remains first choice

Osimhen has been strongly linked with Barcelona in recent weeks after continuing his prolific scoring form. The striker recently reached 200 career goals, sealing his place among Europe’s elite forwards.

However, any deal would require negotiations with Galatasaray, who signed him from Napoli last summer for €75 million.

Reports suggest the Turkish club would only consider offers well above that figure, potentially between €80 million and €140 million.

That valuation presents a significant challenge for Barcelona, who remain under financial constraints despite recent improvements to their balance sheet.

Thuram under consideration

As a contingency, Barcelona are monitoring Thuram’s situation at Inter Milan. The France international joined the Serie A side from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2023 and has since established himself as a consistent attacking presence.

Thuram has registered 45 goals and 28 assists in 145 appearances, combining physical strength with technical ability and link-up play. His profile is considered compatible with Barcelona’s attacking structure.

Valued at approximately €60 million and with two years remaining on his contract, Thuram is viewed as a more attainable option. Inter may be open to negotiations, particularly with emerging forward Pio Esposito providing additional depth.