2 weeks ago
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Liverpool may find itself presented with an unexpected opportunity in the transfer market as Victor Osimhen's anticipated move away from Napoli has reportedly encountered complications.
Reports from Italy suggest that Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have returned with a fresh bid for Osimhen, aiming to compete with Galatasaray, who remain locked in negotiations with the Serie A champions over the structure of the payment for the Nigerian striker. Liverpool is reportedly looking at him, as well as Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
For a second consecutive summer, Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli, following a failed permanent transfer away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at the end of last year’s window. The 26-year-old spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Galatasaray, where he impressed, but his €75 million (£65 million/$88 million) release clause — which applied only to clubs outside Italy — has now expired, adding a new layer of complexity.
Napoli is continuing to hold firm on their valuation of the striker, insisting on the fee to be paid in no more than two instalments for the former Serie A top goal scorer.
That demand has proved to be the main stumbling block for Galatasaray. While the Turkish club matched the €75m figure in their latest bid, their proposal involved a staggered payment plan — reportedly €40 million ($47 million/£35 million) up front with the remaining €35 million ($41 million/£30 million) to be paid in multiple instalments — which Napoli have so far resisted.
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Al-Hilal have now re-entered the race, submitting a revised offer overnight. Their new proposal reportedly meets Napoli’s financial demands, offering the fee split evenly into two instalments of €37.5m ($44 million/£32 million). Al-Hilal had previously made a move for Osimhen earlier in the summer, including a jaw-dropping contract offer worth €30 million ($35 million/£26 million) per season. However, the Nigerian international turned down those terms in mid-June.
While rumors surrounding Liverpool's links with the Nigerian international have cooled off, the club's need to refresh and evolve under Arne Slot could drive interest. With Darwin Nunez set to leave Anfield this summer, the Reds are in the market for a striker to help them retain the Premier League title and potentially European success.
From a stylistic standpoint, Osimhen’s powerful presence, pace, and clinical edge could make him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s high-tempo pressing game. His goal-scoring record in Serie A — 26 goals in the 2022–23 title-winning season — proves he has the pedigree to deliver at the highest level.
Of course, Liverpool would face stiff competition should it decide to pivot toward Osimhen, and the player's wage expectations could prove challenging. But if existing talks with other clubs collapse, Liverpool could find themselves in prime position to take advantage.
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