By Daniel Edu
Premier League giants Liverpool have entered the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, sending scouts to observe the Napoli player during the international break.
Osimhen was linked with a transfer away from Naples in the summer after an impressive 2022/23 season with the Italian club. The Nigeria international scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances, helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Despite staying with Napoli, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain following a social media controversy in which the club’s TikTok account mocked him. Clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Osimhen, and now Liverpool has expressed interest in securing his signature.
The Sun, a British publication, reported that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dispatched a club scout to watch Osimhen in action for Nigeria. The scout saw Osimhen play for 59 minutes in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia before he was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Liverpool is seemingly preparing a list of potential forward targets as they anticipate the possible departure of Mohamed Salah in 2024. Salah was the subject of a £150 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad during the summer transfer window.
While Liverpool managed to retain one of their most valuable assets, there is a belief that there will be further interest from the Saudi Pro League next year. If they decide to pursue Osimhen, it may require a bid in excess of £100 million to lure him away from Napoli.
Napoli, however, remains hopeful of extending Osimhen’s contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2025.
