Liverpool have held initial talks with Napoli about a swap deal involving Victor Osimhen, according to reports.
The Nigerian international’s future has been the subject of much speculation, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Al-Hilal and Galatasaray having been linked with the striker.
However, TEAMtalk claim that the Reds have also raised the possibility of signing Osimhen in discussions about Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa. Napoli are keen on both players and there is a chance that Osimhen could move in the other direction. Fans on X are split on whether such an exchange would be a good idea:
Surely he is better than nunez
— Adeku (@imuktar202) June 18, 2025
Nope. Big ego, too much money.
— LightningMcMeme (@superautismo) June 18, 2025
The guy's a baller
— Lamar (@Big_Lamz1) June 18, 2025
No! No thanks!
— Kloppology (@JurGoat) June 18, 2025
He's definitely worth a look and if rumours are to be believed that he has brought his wage demands down are true i think its a no brainer. He's a quality striker and if it doesn't work out he will go to Saudi and it won't be at a loss id bet.
— Arnes Slots (@lfcjq23) June 18, 2025
No. Amazing player technically and physically but the guy is way complicated.
— Juan Camilo (@meazza1990_) June 18, 2025
His one of the worlds prolific goal getters so we need him up front
— Kessy Keller (@Ibelegbu) June 18, 2025
No , isak should be 1st pick
— Peter McMullen (@PeterM81497) June 18, 2025
Osimhen’s record speaks for itself
The 26-year-old scored 37 times in all competitions last season and, while some may play down the numbers due to the fact that he was playing in Turkey, it should not be forgotten that he has scored 30 goals in Serie A before as well.
Osimhen‘s salary is likely to be the main obstacle, but as TEAMtalk points out, Nunez and Chiesa’s departure would free up the necessary space on the wage bill.
Do Liverpool need a No.9?
If Nunez leaves Anfield, there is a good case for saying a replacement is needed. However, since Arne Slot’s arrival as head coach, the Reds have shown they can score plenty of goals without a prolific frontman.
The important question to ask is not necessarily whether Osimhen is a good player but whether he fits Liverpool’s system. He does prefer to lead the line like a traditional No.9. As we have seen with Nunez last season, that type of player can struggle in Slot’s front three.
In other news, Liverpool are making “good progress” in signing a £43m rated French winger
