Liverpool are reportedly plotting a blockbuster summer deal for Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Paisley Gates), Premier League giants Liverpool are plotting a summer move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the ongoing transfer window.
The 24-year-old is coming off an excellent campaign that saw him not just win the Serie A Golden Boot but also lead Napoli to their first Scudetto in the post-Diego Maradona era. The Nigerian’s standing at the club is more or less etched in stone now, and his stock has never been higher.
Osimhen’s fine run of form has attracted attention from several teams in the Premier League, including Liverpool. The Reds certainly need reinforcements this summer, but revamping the attack is the least of their concerns.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have signed Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo in the last two windows. The duo adds to a packed roster that also includes Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Diogo Jota. While Roberto Firmino’s departure does leave one spot open, it could very well prove to be Ben Doak’s ticket to the senior side.
Nunez might not have got tongues wagging in his debut season on Merseyside but the Uruguayan’s potential is clear for all to see. The Liverpool ace thrives on chaos and could very well develop into a game-changer in the years to come. While Osimhen is more or less a more polished version at this moment in time, Nunez has the ability to close the gap sooner or later.
Napoli will demand an eye-watering €180 million or more to part ways with the Nigerian. Paying such an amount will not just smash the Reds’ transfer record by some margin but also eat into their budget for the summer.
Jurgen Klopp remains a fan of Osimhen and could do with a player of his strength. While it is fanciful to think Liverpool would pay a king’s ransom, they have nevertheless met with the player’s entourage. Given that PSG have already failed with a bid worth €100 million, any deal for the Nigerian star will be big money of around €180 million indeed.
For now, Liverpool fans can take this news with a grain of salt. Osimhen might be greatly appreciated by Klopp. But his squad needs massive additions in other areas of the pitch that are more pressing. Sacrificing balance to make one marquee signing could prove counterproductive indeed. Osimhen could certainly shift clubs this season. However, with no UEFA Champions League to offer, it will come as a surprise should he end up at Liverpool.
