Luis Enrique Greenlights Osimhen signing

In a dramatic twist that’s got the transfer world buzzing, Paris Saint-Germain are back in the hunt for Victor Osimhen just months after the Nigerian powerhouse sealed a permanent move to Galatasaray this summer. Luis Enrique, the ex-Barcelona tactician, has done a complete 180 on his staunch opposition to signing the 26-year-old Super Eagles striker. This reversal could spark a blockbuster summer 2026 bidding war, with Real Madrid already circling and Barcelona lurking in the shadows as they eye life post-Robert Lewandowski.

The U-Turn: From Veto to Validation

Enrique had long blocked any Osimhen pursuit, wary that the forward’s “fiery temperament” could unsettle PSG’s carefully curated dressing-room harmony. Back in the summer, he prioritized fluid wingers over a traditional No. 9, even as PSG splashed €75m on Osimhen’s Galatasaray switch from Napoli. But recent cracks in the Parisians’ attack—particularly Gonçalo Ramos’ underwhelming form (just 7 goals in 18 Ligue 1 starts this season)—have forced a rethink.

Now, Enrique sees Osimhen as the “pure striker” PSG desperately needs: a physical beast (6’1″, aerial dominance, 15 goals in 20 games for Gala this term) to anchor their fluid front line alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé. Sporting director Luis Campos, who’s quietly nurtured ties with Osimhen since his Lille days, has the green light to ramp up talks. French outlet Foot01 reports Enrique’s explicit endorsement: “He’s the profile we need, strong, elite, and character-driven.”

Victor Osimhen

The Bidding Battle Heats Up

  • Real Madrid’s Angle: The La Liga giants are plotting a €100m+ swoop to reposition Kylian Mbappé back to the left wing, where he’s thrived, and install Osimhen as their focal point. Spanish media like Fichajes and Türkiye Today claim Madrid view him as the “instinctive goalscorer” missing from Xabi Alonso’s setup, especially after Vinícius Júnior’s contract frustrations. A tactical reshuffle? Absolutely—Osimhen’s 46 goals in 52 Gala outings make him a no-brainer.
  • Barcelona’s Watch: The Catalans are scouting Osimhen as Lewandowski’s heir, with his contract expiring in June 2026. Deco has tempered expectations due to finances, but Mundo Deportivo notes they’re monitoring closely, especially with Gala’s €75m investment ripe for profit. PSG’s deeper pockets (€150m bids floated) give them an edge here.

Galatasaray aren’t budging short-term: No winter sales, per club president Dursun Özbek, who values Osimhen at €140m-€150m minimum—aiming to double their outlay. His agent’s firm: “Victor’s committed to the project in Istanbul.” But a mega-offer next summer? That’s when things get spicy.

Why Now? PSG’s Bigger Picture

Post-Champions League glory, Enrique’s side craves frontline evolution. Ramos’ dip (below 0.5 goals/game) exposes vulnerabilities, and Osimhen’s pressing, hold-up play, and UCL pedigree (6 goals in 3 games this season) align perfectly. Campos’ discreet links have kept the door ajar, and with Enrique’s buy-in, this feels more than rumor—it’s strategy. X chatter echoes the hype, with French accounts like @GoalFrance calling it a “volte-face inattendue” (unexpected U-turn).

Osimhen’s saga has been a rollercoaster—from Napoli’s €120m clause snubs to his Turkish reinvention. If PSG land him, it could redefine their attack. Real Madrid might counter with Madrid glamour, but Enrique’s endorsement tips the scales.