Thierry Henry Calls On Barcelona To Sign Victor Osimhen As Galatasaray Star Misses Konyaspor Match

Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has advocated for Barcelona to pursue Victor Osimhen, describing the Nigerian forward as the type of elite striker the Catalan club needs to regain their standing in European football.

Henry, reflecting on his time at FC Barcelona, emphasized the club’s need for a proven number nine to capitalize on the chances created by emerging talents. Speaking to Sport, he stated, “Barcelona need a real number 9. A top-level striker. I am referring to formidable scorers such as Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland or Harry Kane. Proven finishers, not prospects.” By comparing Osimhen to Europe’s top forwards, Henry highlighted his belief in the Nigerian’s capacity to perform at the highest level.

The former French international also criticized Barcelona’s inefficiency in front of goal, noting its impact in decisive moments. He singled out teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, saying, “When you have a talent like Lamine Yamal, who makes passes like that, you have to score. It’s simple. At this level, one chance is enough. I’ve seen games where too many chances were wasted. At Barcelona, that can’t happen. That’s what makes the difference between being competitive and being champion.”

Meanwhile, Osimhen will not feature for Galatasaray in their upcoming league clash against Konyaspor. The club confirmed that he was omitted from the squad as a precaution due to discomfort in his right knee. In a statement, Galatasaray noted, “Victor Osimhen, who is complaining of pain in his right knee, has been withheld from the squad for the match against Konyaspor as a precaution.”

There are no concerns over his long-term fitness, with the decision aimed at ensuring Osimhen is fully prepared for the second leg of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League play-off against Juventus in Turin. The Turkish side holds a 5-2 advantage from the first leg, in which Osimhen contributed two assists.

Domestically, the 27-year-old has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s title bid, scoring nine goals and providing three assists as the club leads the Süper Lig by three points with 55 points.