Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has described Victor Osimhen as a “fantastic striker” ahead of the Spanish giants’ UEFA Champions League showdown with Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday.

The German tactician acknowledged the threat posed by the Nigerian international while warning his players to prepare for a difficult encounter against the Turkish champions at Rams Park.  

Osimhen has enjoyed an impressive start to the Turkish Super Lig season, recording six goals and three assists in five league appearances before the Champions League meeting.

The 27-year-old further underlined his importance to Galatasaray on Friday when he returned from a groin injury and provided an assist in their 3-1 victory over Kasımpaşa.  

Speaking after Barcelona’s 3-0 La Liga victory over Getafe on Saturday, Flick stressed the need for his team to approach the fixture with full concentration.

“Galatasaray have a fantastic striker like Osimhen, they really have a great squad,” Flick said. “We need to be ready for this match. We must play our best football against Galatasaray.”  

Flick also highlighted the atmosphere expected at Rams Park, one of the most intimidating venues in European football, and emphasised that Champions League matches demand a different level of preparation.

The Barcelona manager’s comments reflect the respect Osimhen has earned through his performances for Galatasaray, where his goalscoring ability, physical presence and movement have made him a key figure in the club’s attack.

Osimhen’s return from injury comes at an important time for Galatasaray, who will be looking to respond after losing their opening Champions League league-phase fixture 3-1 away to Sporting CP.

Barcelona, meanwhile, began their campaign with a convincing 5-1 win over Feyenoord and followed it up with a 3-0 league victory against Getafe.  

The Turkish champions will hope their home advantage and Osimhen’s attacking threat can help them secure their first points in this season’s Champions League.

The Nigerian striker also has previous experience against Barcelona in the competition. During his time at Napoli, he scored in a 1-1 draw against the Catalan club in the first leg of their 2024 round-of-16 tie, although Barcelona won the return leg 3-1 to advance.  

With Osimhen back in action and already contributing to Galatasaray’s attack, Tuesday’s encounter offers the Super Eagles forward another opportunity to test himself against one of Europe’s leading clubs.

His fitness and role in the starting line-up will be closely watched as Galatasaray seek a result that could revive their Champions League campaign.