Liverpool have been on the hunt for new attackers ever since the summer transfer window opened up at the start of June
Liverpool may be Premier League champions, but with both Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz linked with moves away from Anfield, there’s a growing sense of uncertainty around the club’s attacking options for next season. While the Reds currently boast six quality forwards, losing two of them in one summer would be a major shake-up—especially considering Núñez’s raw pace and energy off the bench, which added a unique dimension even during an inconsistent season.
In response, Liverpool have naturally been linked with a host of attacking talents. And one name now rising to the top of that list is Victor Osimhen.
Former Liverpool forward El Hadji Diouf has thrown his weight behind the idea, claiming the Nigerian striker could become the next Sadio Mané at Anfield. Speaking to Africa Foot, Diouf laid out his case:
“I think it would be the best choice for him from a sporting perspective. Liverpool will be competing in the Champions League. Their plan has been clear for years. They’re a very big club, perfectly structured, with significant resources. At Liverpool, Osimhen could take on a huge sporting challenge and earn a very good living.”
But more than the structure or the paycheck, it’s the potential chemistry on the pitch that has Diouf excited:
“I’m convinced it could work, that these two players [Salah and Osimhen] could complement each other.
I remember the Mo Salah and Sadio Mané partnership, which worked very well. I think the Salah-Osimhen duo could do just as well!”
It’s not just talk, either. Osimhen has the numbers to back it up. While Diouf mentioned a spell in Turkey—possibly a mix-up, since Osimhen didn’t play in the Turkish league—what isn’t in doubt is his proven record in Europe. At Napoli, he’s terrorized Serie A defences with pace, movement, and a ruthless eye for goal. Gianfranco Zola once described him as “devastating,” and it’s not hard to see why. He scored 37 goals in all competitions last season and added eight assists—numbers that place him firmly in the world-class category.
At 26, Osimhen is in his prime and would arrive with the kind of pedigree Liverpool fans expect in a major signing. His speed and direct style of play are reminiscent of Mané, but he brings a more traditional striker’s instincts inside the box—something Liverpool have arguably lacked in recent seasons.
Whether Osimhen arrives or not, the transfer window still has plenty of chapters left. But if Slot’s new-look Liverpool front line ends up featuring Osimhen alongside Salah and Wirtz, there’s every chance this side goes from champions to something even more dangerous—dominant.