Liverpool are reportedly set to rival Newcastle United in the pursuit of Napoli’s attacking powerhouse Victor Osimhen.
According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are likely to face stiff competition from Liverpool in the race to sign Napoli’s goal-machine Victor Osimhen next summer. The 23-year-old is rapidly becoming one of the most highly sought-after strikers in Europe and could be the subject of a massive transfer war after the end of the season.
Formerly of Wolfsburg, Osimhen came into the limelight during his spell at LOSC Lille. He made an incredible impact and finished the 2019/20 campaign with 18 goals and six assists in 39 appearances for the French side. The Nigeria international completed a move to the Serie A side Napoli in 2020 and made a blistering start to his Napoli career, scoring 10 goals and grabbing 4 assists in his debut season.
The Nigerian striker has taken that red-hot form into the current campaign, contributing nine goals and two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Partenopei’s early surge to the top of Serie A. Napoli were subsequently hit by several injuries and Covid-19 related problems, which also hindered Osimhen’s participation in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
With Napoli having a fair shot at the Scudetto and the player just returning to full fitness following a facial injury, it is hard to see the Italian giants sanctioning a winter exit for their leading goalscorer in all competitions.
It is also understood that the Nigerian forward wants to spend the rest of the season challenging for the Italian league title with the Naples-based outfit, but that does not put him off the radar of some of the best teams on the continent. It appears Premier League sides Liverpool and Newcastle are the two firm candidates holding concrete interest in the 23-year-old’s talents.
The interest from Liverpool is understandable, considering Divock Origi is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season. Also, with their current front-three nearing the final phase of their respective careers, the attacking contingent needs refreshment. Osimhen ticks all the right boxes in terms of what the Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is generally looking for.
The former Wolfsburg starlet is a modern centre-forward and possesses an interesting mixture of pace, strength, intelligence, and composure, while he has also shown elements of stretching defences, creating spaces and chances for his side. At just 23 years old, he has plenty of room to grow, improve and learn under Klopp’s tutelage.
As for cash-rich Newcastle, they plan to assemble a side capable of competing at the highest level for years to come. The northeast giants are expected to prioritise young, hungry, up-and-coming talent over high-profile names, and Osimhen clearly fits the profile. Their financial muscle makes them one of the contenders to seal the 23-year-old’s signature next summer should they retain their Premier League status this term.
Apart from Newcastle and Liverpool, the Nigerian marksman’s impressive displays in front of goal have caught the attention of elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, who all are closely monitoring his progress. With Dusan Vlahovic set for Juventus already, Osimhen would certainly be one of the most in-demand strikers come next summer, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Napoli frontman.
