They need Osimhen — Thierry Henry claims European giants lack elite striker

Thierry Henry has insisted that Spanish giants Barcelona desperately require a proven, elite number nine like Victor Osimhen to help them return to the status of the world's best club.

Henry emphasised the need for a "real" top-class striker capable of consistently finishing chances created by Barcelona's talented young attackers, including Lamine Yamal and others under Hansi Flick.

Henry highlighted Barcelona's wastefulness in front of goal this season, arguing that creative players like Yamal and others require a reliable number nine to maximize their output.

"Barcelona need a real number nine, a top-class striker. I mean formidable scorers like Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane. Proven finishers, not prospects," Henry insisted.

The Arsenal legend stressed that elite finishers, described as "killers in the box," make the difference between competitiveness and true championship dominance.

Barcelona are making plans for a future beyond 38-year-old Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires this summer. The Blaugrana have relied heavily on Ferran Torres this season, and despite the forward's best efforts, there is a belief that he lacks the required cutting edge.

Osimhen will be perfect for Barcelona, as he is right in the middle of his prime, at 27. The Nigerian is a guaranteed goalscorer who has conquered multiple leagues and understands what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles legend Odion Ighalo has weighed in on Osimhen's future amid rumours of an exit from Galatasaray, revealing he had hoped to see the striker join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.

Ighalo, who netted 43 goals for Al-Hilal and won a league title there, admitted to Winwin that while he respects the decision, his heart was with his former club: "Well, these are not mistakes, because as players we have to make our own decisions.

"For me, I wished he had gone to Al-Hilal, but Galatasaray is a big club, the biggest in Turkey, and they participate in the Champions League and perform well. And most importantly, he is performing well there with Galatasaray."