Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, who has drawn interest from Saudi clubs. According to PUNCH Sports Extra, the Reds are preparing to join the race for the Nigerian forward’s signature this summer.
Liverpool’s incoming sporting directors, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, are said to view Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, as the ideal candidate to bolster the team’s attacking lineup. The 26-year-old has impressed with his performances in Turkey, tallying 13 goals and five assists in 16 appearances.
Edwards, who has monitored Osimhen since his early career in Belgium and France, reportedly values the striker’s growth and current form.
Speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future intensified after a public fallout with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. The disagreement followed Osimhen’s decision to reject a January move to Manchester United, with De Laurentiis reportedly telling La Repubblica, “Then let him stay where he is. Tell Galatasaray to take Osimhen.”
The striker’s release clause is set to drop from €120m to €75m this summer, a factor that could ignite a bidding war among Premier League clubs. Arsenal and Manchester United are also rumored to be interested in signing Osimhen.
Despite the transfer chatter, Osimhen has maintained his focus on his current club, Galatasaray. “I will not leave in January; I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season,” he said after a standout Europa League performance against Tottenham, where he scored twice.
“I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much. I am very happy here,” Osimhen added.
However, former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu has expressed doubts about the Turkish side’s ability to secure a permanent deal for the Nigerian star, who has netted 10 goals in the Super Lig this season.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly exited the race for Osimhen, with manager Luis Enrique opposing the idea of signing a traditional number nine. This development could give Liverpool a clearer path to pursue the forward.
Darwin Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica for €85m, has reportedly drawn interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, creating a potential opening in the Reds’ attack.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has stated that Galatasaray remain “100 per cent convinced” of keeping Osimhen until the end of the season, but Liverpool’s growing interest and summer transfer plans could lead to significant developments in the coming months.