Liverpool’s Striker Search: Osimhen Emerges as Potential Nunez Replacement
Liverpool Football Club is reportedly eyeing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian clubs. The Reds’ incoming sporting directors, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, view Osimhen as an ideal candidate to fill the potential void left by Nunez’s departure. Edwards, known for his astute recruitment strategy, has been tracking Osimhen’s progress since his early days in European football, spanning his time in Belgium and France. The 24-year-old Nigerian international’s impressive loan spell at Galatasaray, where he has notched 13 goals and 5 assists in 16 appearances, has further solidified Liverpool’s interest.
Osimhen’s future at Napoli remains uncertain following a public disagreement with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. De Laurentiis expressed his displeasure at Osimhen’s refusal to join Manchester United in a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford during the January transfer window. This strained relationship, coupled with Osimhen’s decreasing release clause, which is set to drop from €120 million to €75 million in the summer, could pave the way for a transfer. This lower release clause is likely to spark a bidding war among Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United also vying for his signature.
Despite the swirling transfer speculation, Osimhen has publicly stated his commitment to Galatasaray until the end of the season. He affirmed his happiness at the Turkish club and expressed his willingness to discuss his future with both Galatasaray and Napoli at the appropriate time. However, former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu has cast doubt on the club’s ability to afford a permanent deal for Osimhen, suggesting that a return to Napoli or a move to another club is more likely.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Osimhen is contingent on Nunez’s potential departure. Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica for €85 million, has yet to fully establish himself as a regular starter at Anfield. The interest from Saudi Arabia could provide Liverpool with an opportunity to recoup a significant portion of their investment in the Uruguayan striker. If Nunez does depart, Liverpool appear ready to make a move for Osimhen, viewing him as a more suitable fit for their attacking system.
Paris Saint-Germain, initially considered a potential suitor for Osimhen, have withdrawn from the race after manager Luis Enrique expressed his preference against signing a traditional number nine. This development could give Liverpool a clearer path to securing Osimhen’s services, should they decide to pursue him. The Reds face competition from other Premier League clubs, but their long-standing interest and Osimhen’s seemingly strained relationship with Napoli could give them an edge in negotiations.
Despite the mounting speculation, Osimhen remains focused on his current season at Galatasaray. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that Galatasaray is confident in retaining Osimhen until the end of the season. They believe that they are fulfilling their end of the loan deal, providing the player consistent game time that he may not find at Napoli before the end of their season. This is where things become tense, Osimhen is aware that he is being watched by some of the biggest clubs in the world, that are playing in some of the highest profile tournaments in world football. He could feel frustrated at Galatasaray by seeing his future being discussed when he is trying to earn selection for Napoli’s remaining games of the season through strong performances for the Turkish club.
