Liverpool have identified Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, with the Reds preparing to join the race for the Nigeria international’s signature this summer.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool’s incoming sporting directors Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards view the Napoli striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, as the ideal candidate to replace Nunez, who is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.
The report claims Edwards has been monitoring Osimhen since his early European career in Belgium and France, with Liverpool’s recruitment team particularly impressed by the 26-year-old’s current form in Turkey, where he has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 16 appearances.
Osimhen’s future has been subject to intense speculation following a public fallout with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who recently expressed anger at the striker’s decision to reject a January move to Manchester United.
“Then let him stay where he is. Tell Galatasaray to take Osimhen,” De Laurentiis was quoted as saying by La Repubblica after the striker turned down a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford.
The Nigerian’s release clause will drop from €120m to €75m this summer, potentially sparking a bidding war among Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United also interested in his services.
“I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season,” Osimhen told reporters after scoring a brace against Tottenham in the Europa League.
“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 at Galatasaray.”
Former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu recently suggested the Turkish club cannot afford a permanent deal for the Nigerian, who has netted 10 goals in the Super Lig this season.
Paris Saint-Germain have pulled out of the race after manager Luis Enrique insisted the club should not sign a natural number nine, potentially clearing the path for Liverpool should they decide to cash in on Nunez, who joined from Benfica for €85m.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has stated that Galatasaray are “100 per cent convinced” of retaining Osimhen’s services until the season ends, despite growing interest from Premier League clubs.
Credit: punchng.com
