Thierry Henry Urges Barcelona To Sign Victor Osimhen As Galatasaray Star Sits Out Konyaspor Clash

Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker, Thierry Henry, has thrown his weight behind Victor Osimhen as the kind of elite forward he believes Barcelona must sign if they are to reclaim their place at the summit of European football.

Thierry Henry, who enjoyed a glittering spell at FC Barcelona, did not mince his words when assessing the club’s current attacking options. In his view, the Catalan giants are crying out for a ruthless, established number nine to finish the chances crafted by their emerging stars.

Speaking to Sport, the Frenchman said, “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 placing Osimhen alongside names like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, Henry made it clear he sees the Nigerian as part of Europe’s most feared striking class.

He also highlighted Barcelona’s recurring wastefulness in front of goal, suggesting it has cost them dearly in decisive moments. Referring to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Henry added, “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.”

While his name continues to circulate in transfer conversations, Osimhen will not be in action for Galatasaray this weekend. The Istanbul club confirmed he has been left out of the squad for their league meeting with Konyaspor as a precaution due to discomfort in his right knee.

In a statement, the club said, “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 is no major alarm over his fitness. The decision is understood to be geared towards ensuring he is fully ready for the crucial second leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off against Juventus in Turin. Galatasaray hold a commanding 5-2 advantage from the first leg, a match in which Osimhen provided two assists.

Domestically, the 27-year-old has been a driving force in the Süper Lig title race, registering nine goals and three assists as Galatasaray sit three points clear at the top with 55 points.