Liverpool is open to signing a new striker during this summer’s transfer window and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could be an option in a possible swap deal involving Darwin Nunez
Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Liverpool continues to gather traction, and former Reds striker El-Hadji Diouf has given the transfer his endorsement, calling Liverpool a “great team” and backing Osimhen to thrive at Anfield.
The 26-year-old Nigerian striker is widely expected to leave Napoli this summer and has been linked with a number of top European clubs. With Darwin Núñez’s future at Liverpool uncertain following three inconsistent seasons, Osimhen has emerged as a strong candidate to replace him—especially with Liverpool reportedly cooling their pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak due to the financial outlay required.
Isak is still seen as the “dream signing” for Liverpool, but it would likely take a British-record fee to land him. After already breaking their record this summer to sign Florian Wirtz, Liverpool appear more open to a deal for Osimhen, who would cost significantly less. TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool have entered direct talks with Napoli, and a swap deal involving Núñez or even Juventus’ Federico Chiesa has been floated as a possibility.
Diouf, speaking to Africa Foot, praised Osimhen’s credentials:
“If they are so interested in him, it is because they are convinced that he can win in a great Premier League team—the best championship in the world. Since he played in Europe, he has proven that he can succeed everywhere. He finished top scorer in Italy and Turkey, and was among the best in France with Lille.”
He went on to suggest that Liverpool makes more sense for Osimhen than other suitors:
“Regarding the English clubs, I am not convinced by Chelsea’s sporting project. Manchester United is a big name, but they’re not going to play in the Champions League—and he needs that competition.”
Osimhen shares that ambition. He is believed to be targeting a club competing in the Champions League, making Liverpool an appealing destination. However, the main stumbling block could be financial. The striker reportedly earns around $11.5 million net per year at Napoli, with gross wages close to $23 million. He is unwilling to accept a pay cut, and would want Liverpool to match that figure.
Currently, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are Liverpool’s top earners, each grossing more than $25 million annually. New arrival Florian Wirtz became the third highest-paid player at the club this month, earning around $14 million plus bonuses. Adding Osimhen would likely place him on a similar pay scale, but the club would have to carefully assess the long-term wage structure implications.
Liverpool have options and a strong negotiation position. Whether it’s Osimhen, Isak, or another name that leads the line, what’s clear is that a new striker is firmly on the agenda at Anfield—and Osimhen’s mix of pedigree, athleticism, and Champions League appetite fits the bill.