Sports
Transfer: Barcelona Turn to Osimhen as Atlético Block Alvarez Move
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Spanish giants FC Barcelona are reportedly shifting their transfer focus to Victor Osimhen after facing difficulties in their pursuit of Julián Álvarez.
Barcelona had initially identified Álvarez as their top target ahead of the summer transfer window, but Atlético Madrid have made it clear they are unwilling to part ways with the striker easily.
The Argentine forward, who joined Atlético in 2024, is reportedly valued at around €200 million, a fee that would place him among the most expensive transfers in football history.
However, Barcelona are believed to be unable to meet such demands, with reports suggesting the club is only willing to offer about €70 million far below Atlético’s valuation.
With negotiations proving difficult and Atlético maintaining a firm stance, Barcelona have begun exploring alternative options, including Osimhen, as a potential long-term replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
Osimhen, currently one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, is valued at around €75 million. The Nigerian striker has continued to attract interest from top clubs, and Barcelona now see him as a more realistic signing compared to Álvarez.
Financial constraints remain a key challenge for the Catalan club, limiting their ability to make big-money signings. While they are reportedly considering a player-plus-cash deal for Álvarez, such an offer is unlikely to appeal to Atlético Madrid.
With Atlético no longer under financial pressure to sell, Barcelona’s chances of landing Álvarez appear slim unless they table a significantly improved bid.
As a result, attention is increasingly turning to Osimhen, who is viewed as a more attainable option as Barcelona look to strengthen their attack ahead of next season.
World football governing body, FIFA, has made a key video assistant referee, VAR decision ahead of the much exected World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina.
The match will be played in Atlanta on Wednesday.
FIFA has opted to deploy an on-site VAR team for this high-profile encounter.
Previously, the VAR team had been functioning from a central hub located at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, regardless of the venue of each match.
However, for this particular game, the on-site officials will act as a backup in the event of any technical or communication difficulties.
Dan Hunt, a member of the Organising Committee, elaborated on the decision to have VAR operate on-site for the second semi-final as reported by Sport Bible.
He said, “There is a significant amount of drama that occurs during these matches. Moreover, when only four officials are tasked with overseeing the action on a field that is considerably larger than an American football field, it becomes quite challenging
“I am pleased that there will be on-site officials. I am uncertain about how the communication will be managed.”
FIFA has faced considerable criticism for the inconsistent VAR decisions throughout the tournament, with the defending champions Argentina benefiting from favorable calls without any against them, while England has experienced the opposite, resulting in a net negative outcome.
Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has reacted to the Les Bleus’ World Cup semi-final 2-0 defeat to Spain.
Henry said that the La Roja were far superior to France during the encounter.
Spain defeated France on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup final, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.
“Too little from France at the end of the day. Spain controlled the game on and off the ball,” Henry said on Fox Sports.
“They showed why they are European champions, they are showing why they are going into the final.
“Nothing to add, they were far superior, and there is nothing to say about it. Spain, congratulations. you deserves to go to the final,” he said.
Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Ashe, says he is mentally and physically prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the multi-sport event, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 100m and 4x100m relay specialist, popularly known as “The Nigerian Nightmare”, said the national team’s training camp has played a key role in sharpening the athletes’ readiness ahead of the Games.
“Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. I’m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say I’m ready for the Commonwealth Games,” Ashe said.
The sprinter also urged Nigerians to rally behind Team Nigeria throughout the competition.
“I want Nigerians to support us—not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much,” he added.
Ashe’s confidence comes as the Federal Government unveiled a financial reward package for medal winners at the Games.
National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade announced that gold medallists will receive $3,000, silver medallists $2,000 and bronze medallists $1,500, while coaches of medal-winning athletes will earn performance bonuses of $5,000. He also confirmed that the payment of camp allowances has commenced to ensure athletes are fully motivated ahead of the competition.
Nigeria is expected to field a strong contingent in Glasgow, including world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo and several other elite athletes competing across athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and para sports.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports.
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