Liverpool could be in the running to sign Victor Osimhen this summer, having come close back in 2020 before Napoli’s director took drastic measures
Victor Osimhen: Liverpool’s Chance to Turn the Tables on Napoli
Victor Osimhen is once again on Liverpool’s radar — and this time, the circumstances feel very different.
After a blistering start to the summer window that’s already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and two new goalkeepers in Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, the focus at Anfield is slowly shifting from incomings to outgoings. But despite Jarell Quansah’s expected exit to Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds still have key positions in mind for reinforcement — especially up top.
Liverpool’s ideal target remains Alexander Isak, but that path is paved with financial obstacles. Newcastle would demand a British record fee to even consider negotiations, and after already breaking that barrier for Wirtz, a second blockbuster deal in one window feels unlikely.
Enter Victor Osimhen — a long-standing Liverpool-linked striker whose name just won’t go away. And this time, the Reds may finally be in the driver’s seat.
A Deal Years in the Making
Osimhen nearly became a Liverpool player back in 2020. Fresh off an 18-goal breakout season at Lille, the Nigerian was on the Reds’ shortlist — until then-Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli pulled off one of the more bizarre power moves in modern transfer history.
According to Giandomenico Costi, Giuntoli literally locked Osimhen in a hotel for three days, convincing him to snub a move to Merseyside and instead sign with Napoli. That gamble paid off — at least on the pitch — as Osimhen went on to net 76 goals in 133 appearances and helped fire Napoli to the Serie A title.
But off the pitch, things have never truly settled. There’s been tension, mismanagement, and public disputes. Osimhen’s relationship with the club feels strained at best, and with just one year left on his contract, Napoli are fast running out of leverage.
The Power Has Shifted
This time around, Liverpool hold the cards. Napoli need to sell or risk losing Osimhen for nothing in 12 months. Darwin Núñez — struggling to fit in under Slot’s vision — is being linked with a move in the opposite direction. That swap could reduce the overall cost and make the deal much more feasible for Liverpool.
Unlike in 2020, there’s no Giuntoli to step in with a sales pitch. There’s no hotel lockdown. Just a cold, financial reality for Napoli — and a golden opportunity for Liverpool to get one over a club that previously beat them to a player they clearly admired.
A Perfect Fit?
From a footballing standpoint, Osimhen fits the mold perfectly. He brings searing pace, intelligent movement, elite finishing, and a work ethic that mirrors the likes of former Liverpool heroes like Sadio Mané. He’d complement Mohamed Salah in a way that Núñez hasn’t consistently managed and offer a more composed, clinical presence in front of goal.
There’s also the added incentive of keeping him out of the hands of a rival — something Napoli did to Liverpool years ago. If the Reds move fast and smart, they could return the favour and deny the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, or even Manchester United a player who could transform their attack.
The Final Piece?
Liverpool’s rebuild under Slot is gathering momentum. The midfield has been reshaped. The defence is being addressed. If a new centre-back (like Marc Guehi) arrives, and a top-tier striker is added to the mix, this could go from being a title-winning squad to one that dominates Europe again.
If Osimhen is truly available — and all signs point to that being the case — this might be the moment for Liverpool to strike. They’ve been here before. This time, they’ll want to finish the job.