Thierry Henry Urges Barcelona to Sign Victor Osimhen for One Key Reason
Former Arsenal captain and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has publicly urged FC Barcelona to sign a proven number 9 this summer, specifically naming Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, alongside Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, as ideal targets. Henry's comments come in the wake of Barcelona's recent struggles, where missed chances have cost the team crucial matches.
Henry Criticizes Barcelona's Current Attack
In a statement via Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Henry criticized Barcelona's current attacking options, highlighting that even with talented wingers like Lamine Yamal, the team has failed to convert numerous opportunities. He emphasized that this issue is preventing Barcelona from competing for major honors.
"Barcelona needs a true number 9. A top-level striker. I'm talking about formidable goal scorers like Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane. Proven finishers, not prospects," Henry said. "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 matches where too many chances were wasted. At Barcelona, that can't happen. That's what makes the difference between being competitive and being a champion."
Barcelona's Recent Struggles and Need for Investment
Barcelona, under manager Hansi Flick, has recently suffered back-to-back defeats to Atletico Madrid and Girona. These losses have seen the club surrender their top spot in La Liga to rivals Real Madrid and face an uphill battle in the Copa Del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid, where Ademola Lookman scored in a 4-0 first-leg defeat.
Henry insists that if Barcelona wants to return to championship contention, the club must invest heavily in a top-class striker this summer. He pointed out that current strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have been guilty of missing several chances and failing to utilize the potency of wingers like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Broader Context and Transfer Speculation
Following these poor results, Barcelona is now tipped to spend big on a striker in the upcoming transfer window, provided finances allow. Henry's endorsement of Osimhen adds to the growing speculation around the Nigerian forward's future.
Interestingly, Atletico Madrid has also been linked with Osimhen, with reports suggesting they aim to build a Nigerian strike partnership with Ademola Lookman. Atletico's technical staff believes Osimhen's power and finishing could elevate the team to genuine title contenders in La Liga under Diego Simeone.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Henry's urgent call highlights the critical need for Barcelona to address their attacking deficiencies to reclaim their status as a dominant force in European football.
