After it was made clear that Barcelona won't be signing Julian Alvarez in the summer, Victor Osimhen was one of the first players who came up in the list of potential alternatives for the club.
The Catalans were on the lookout for a new number nine and Osimhen's track record of scoring goals made him one of the fan favourites.
However, Osimhen ultimately ended up staying at Galatasaray, with Barcelona signing Gabriel Jesus instead.
Osimhen, though, has recently heaped praise on Barcelona, notably calling proclaiming them as the best club in the world.
Osimhen is enjoying life in Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
"I know that Barcelona is one of the best teams in history and, right now, they're the best in the world," he said (h/t Diario SPORT ).
Osimhen's comments should be not as a hint to join Barcelona, though, as the comments just ahead of Galatasaray's Champions League match against the Catalans tonight.
" If you play against a team with such high-quality players, you have to play with both passion and seriousness, and press high up the pitch," he added.
" They have a lot of possession, so in these kinds of matches we have to show some resistance," he added.
Barcelona defender will face a stern test against Osimhen. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Osimhen, though, believes Galatasaray will stay strong, even though he acknowledged Barcelona's quality.
" The match against Barcelona will be difficult. But, to be honest, like my teammates, I'm also very excited about this match.
" We are ready; whatever the result of that match, we will face it with our heads held high. Playing against Barcelona at Rams Park will be spectacular," he concluded.
Osimhen has already had a stellar start to the season so far, racking up as many as six goals in five matches in the Super Lig.
During his time at Galatasaray, the forward has scored as many as 65 goals in 79 competitive matches while mustering 19 assists.
He did miss the first Champions League match against Sporting CP due to injury but will be available tonight against Barcelona.
