FC Barcelona are now considering a move for Victor Osimhen after facing major resistance from Atlético Madrid in their attempt to sign Julián Álvarez, BettingVoice.com reports.
The Spanish giants had placed Álvarez high on their transfer list ahead of the summer window, but Atlético are not willing to negotiate easily. Reports from Spain indicate the Madrid club are determined to keep the Argentine forward unless a significant offer is made.
Barcelona are currently assessing attacking options as they plan for life beyond Robert Lewandowski. While Álvarez remains of interest, the financial demands involved are becoming increasingly difficult to meet.
Atlético value Álvarez at around €200m, a figure that would place him among the most expensive players in football history—just behind Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Having signed him for €95m in 2024, the club are in no rush to sell and are believed to want more than €100m before even considering offers.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are working within tighter financial limits. Sources suggest the club would prefer a deal closer to €70m, which falls well short of Atlético’s expectations. A player-plus-cash proposal has also been discussed internally, but it is unlikely to appeal to Atlético.
With negotiations proving difficult, attention is now shifting toward Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker is seen as a more realistic option, both in terms of availability and cost.
Osimhen is currently valued at around €75m, a figure that could rise depending on negotiations. While his situation remains open, he is considered more attainable than Álvarez under current market conditions.
From Barcelona’s perspective, the need to strengthen multiple areas of the squad also affects their transfer strategy. Spending heavily on one player may not be practical, especially given ongoing financial restrictions.
Atlético’s improved financial position further reduces the chances of a quick deal. Unlike previous seasons, they are not under pressure to sell, which gives them stronger control over Álvarez’s future.
For now, Barcelona face a clear choice: meet Atlético’s high demands or move forward with alternative targets like Osimhen.
