According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool are one of the Premier League clubs set to hold talks with representatives of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Liverpool are expected to bolster their squad this summer after a disappointing season in both domestic football and on the European stage.
The Reds finished fifth in the top-flight table and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in over half a decade, so will instead be competing in the Europa League next season.
The decline in quality of performances and struggles with injuries have both contributed heavily to the club’s failure to compete comfortably for trophies and success over the last 12 months, so making vital tweaks in key areas of the pitch will be essential this summer.
Indeed, the highest priority for Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be to add depth, energy and talent into midfield, with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister already secured ahead of next season.
However, it is now looking like the Liverpool boss is keen to strengthen his forward line even further despite securing the services of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz in the previous two transfer windows.
Tavolieri took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to reveal:
“The Victor file #Osimhen will move on the market! #ManUnited , #ChelseaFC & #Liverpool have meetings planned with the entourage of the top scorer of #SerieA.”
“Next week should define the intentions of his 3 clubs. The priority of #Osimhen is #PremierLeague “
Our thoughts on Liverpool’s interest in Osimhen…
Following the exit of Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino this summer it was thought that Gakpo would be a worthy successor to take over in the Brazilian’s famous false nine role.
However, this latest development about Liverpool’s plans to hold talks with Osimhen’s representatives could mean that Klopp is plotting a different direction for his attacking threat.
The Napoli striker offers an unrivalled threat in front of goal with little weakness in his approach to the centre-forward role; comfortable in holding up the ball, provides goal-creating opportunities for his teammates and of course, has no trouble beating opponents to find the back of the net consistently.
Over 39 appearances last season, the Nigerian striker scored 31 goals and registered five assists in all competitions, with a goal contribution every 83 minutes which is an incredible output that would certainly be valuable to Liverpool.
Not only that, Osimhen ranked first in the entire Serie A over the 2022/23 campaign for goals per 90, shots on target and shots in total, as well as winning the Capocannoniere award for being the top goal-scorer in Italy.
Whilst the 24-year-old is a highly impressive footballer and, at present, one of the most prolific strikers in the world, Napoli’s reported asking price of €150m (£130m) doesn’t seem viable for a position Liverpool already have ample cover for.
With that being said, there is no doubt that Osimhen would be a major coup for Liverpool but it should not be a priority to sign a striker of any quality at this stage, especially when Osimhen’s huge transfer fee would be better spent on midfielders or defenders this summer.
