Victor Osimhen’s dream move to Barcelona appears to be slipping away after the Spanish champions reportedly reached a full agreement to sign Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in a blockbuster €80 million deal.
The Nigerian striker had emerged as one of Barcelona’s leading attacking targets in recent months as the Catalan giants began planning for life after Robert Lewandowski.
With the veteran forward expected to depart at the end of the season, Osimhen was viewed as a strong candidate to lead the next generation of Barcelona’s attack.
However, the situation has now taken a dramatic turn.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have accelerated negotiations for Gordon and successfully agreed terms with Newcastle United on a package worth €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
The England international is expected to complete his medical in Spain before signing a long-term contract until 2031.
The move signals a major shift in Barcelona’s transfer strategy under manager Hansi Flick, who reportedly sees Gordon as a perfect fit for his high-intensity pressing system and quick attacking transitions.
Barcelona also moved swiftly after learning that Bayern Munich and Arsenal were monitoring the winger’s situation.
Gordon arrives in Spain following the best season of his career at Newcastle. The 25-year-old registered 17 goals and four assists across all competitions, emerging as the club’s standout attacking performer despite a disappointing Premier League campaign.
His impressive Champions League displays further strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards.
For Osimhen, the development represents another twist in an increasingly uncertain transfer window.
The Super Eagles star enjoyed another outstanding season with Galatasaray, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in 33 appearances while helping the Turkish giants secure another Süper Lig title.
He also impressed in Europe with seven Champions League goals, reinforcing his status as one of the continent’s elite strikers.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has long admired the Nigerian forward, while Flick was also believed to be interested in adding more firepower ahead of next season’s European campaign.
Yet Gordon’s arrival now appears to have pushed Osimhen further down the club’s shortlist.
Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona are still searching for a long-term central striker, but attention may now be shifting toward Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and Chelsea forward João Pedro as the club reshapes its frontline.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray remain determined to keep hold of their prized striker. After moving quickly to secure Osimhen on a permanent deal last summer, the Turkish champions tied him to a contract running until 2029.
Club president Dursun Özbek has repeatedly insisted the Nigerian is not for sale, with reports claiming only an offer well above €100 million could force the club into negotiations.
Despite Barcelona’s apparent change in direction, Osimhen continues to attract strong interest across Europe and Saudi Arabia. With the summer transfer window approaching, the future of one of Africa’s biggest football stars remains one of the most closely watched stories in world football.
