Liverpool have had some elite number nines throughout their history but have lacked one in recent years.
Victor Osimhen Slashes Wage Demands Amid Liverpool Striker Search
Despite storming to the Premier League title and outscoring every other side in the division, Liverpool did so without a natural No. 9 leading the line. It’s a remarkable feat — but also one that highlights a glaring gap in Arne Slot’s squad.
Diogo Jota, when fit, offers a clinical edge, but his injury record remains a concern. Darwin Nunez, meanwhile, has yet to convince with his finishing or consistency, raising doubts over his long-term place at the club. As a result, Liverpool are prioritising the addition of a true centre-forward — and now, an unexpected opportunity may be emerging.
Osimhen Back on Liverpool’s Radar After Wage Drop
Victor Osimhen has long been admired on Merseyside, but his price tag and steep wage demands were thought to place him out of reach. That may no longer be the case.
According to Foot Mercato, the Nigerian striker has significantly reduced his wage demands, now willing to accept a salary just over £10 million per year — roughly £200,000 per week. This figure is well within Liverpool’s wage structure, and represents a dramatic drop from the reported €45m (£38.4m) annual deal offered by Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
Crucially, Osimhen is said to be keen to remain in Europe, boosting Liverpool’s chances of landing a world-class striker without entering a bidding war with the Saudi Pro League.
With Darwin Nunez currently earning £160,000 per week and seemingly on the way out, Osimhen could effectively take his spot in both the team and the wage bill. Napoli, for their part, have shown interest in Nunez — raising the intriguing possibility of a swap deal, especially with both players valued in the £60m range.
A Top-Level Striker Ready for the Big Stage
While concerns have been raised over Osimhen’s brief stint in Turkey before Napoli — with some questioning his hunger to stay at the elite level — his track record speaks volumes.
At Napoli, Osimhen consistently proved himself against the best, showcasing explosive pace, powerful finishing, and a relentless work ethic. He’s more than held his own in Serie A and the Champions League, and few doubt his ability to adapt to the Premier League.
Statistically, Osimhen compares favourably with Liverpool’s other striker targets this summer — including Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, and Viktor Gyökeres — all of whom carry hefty price tags and question marks of their own. Ekitike’s reported £85m valuation is proving a major stumbling block, while Sesko and Gyökeres both lack Osimhen’s big-game pedigree.
The Perfect Fit at the Perfect Time?
Liverpool may now be staring at a rare window of opportunity. Osimhen, still just 26, appears ready to take the next step in his career — and with his wage demands now aligning with Liverpool’s pay structure, a move to Anfield seems more feasible than ever.
In a summer where every striker comes with a price and a degree of risk, Osimhen could offer the best blend of proven quality, physicality, and top-level experience. If Liverpool are serious about upgrading their frontline, this may be their moment to strike