Italian football club S.S.C. Napoli has reportedly requested the inclusion of two Liverpool FC players—along with a monetary supplement—as part of any proposed deal involving the transfer of Nigerian international striker, Mr. Victor Osimhen. This development follows Liverpool’s formal expression of interest in securing the services of the 26-year-old forward, according to PUNCH Sports Extra, citing reports by Valter De Maggio via Sportskeeda.
Initial discussions indicate that Liverpool has proposed a deal involving the transfer of Federico Chiesa and Darwin Núñez to Napoli in exchange for Mr. Osimhen. In response, Napoli president Mr. Aurelio De Laurentiis has stipulated that such a proposal would only be entertained on the condition that it includes an additional €20 million in cash consideration.
As it stands, Mr. Chiesa is valued at approximately €14 million, while Mr. Núñez holds an estimated market value of €45 million. The inclusion of €20 million in cash would bring the total value of Liverpool’s offer to €79 million. In comparison, Mr. Osimhen is currently valued at €70 million on Transfermarkt.
Mr. Osimhen, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier strikers in recent years, has expressed a desire to depart Napoli in pursuit of a move to a higher-profile club. However, despite these ambitions, he was ultimately loaned to Turkish side Galatasaray for the 2024–2025 season, following the collapse of a permanent transfer during the previous summer window.
During his loan spell at Galatasaray S.K., Mr. Victor Osimhen delivered a series of exceptional performances, culminating in a highly successful campaign in which he played a pivotal role in securing the club’s domestic double. Over the course of 41 competitive appearances across all competitions, he recorded an outstanding tally of 37 goals and eight assists.
Among his many highlights, Mr. Osimhen’s acrobatic overhead goal against Antalyaspor was awarded the Turkish Süper Lig’s Goal of the Season, having secured 65.8% of the total fan vote.
In light of his remarkable contributions, Galatasaray have expressed a strong desire to retain Mr. Osimhen on a permanent basis. However, multiple reports suggest that several top-tier English Premier League clubs have also declared interest in acquiring his services during the upcoming transfer window, thereby intensifying speculation regarding his future.
Mr. Victor Osimhen’s professional future has remained the subject of significant speculation across recent transfer windows. In the summer of 2024, the Nigerian international was strongly linked with potential moves to Chelsea FC and several Saudi Arabian clubs. Ultimately, Mr. Osimhen declined both opportunities and proceeded to join Galatasaray S.K. on a season-long loan.
Despite multiple high-value offers from the Middle East, Mr. Osimhen has consistently rebuffed such overtures. Most recently, reports indicate that Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal is preparing a revised salary proposal worth €50 million per annum, following the striker’s rejection of an earlier offer valued at €30 million annually—reportedly tendered merely two weeks prior.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United and England defender Mr. Rio Ferdinand has publicly speculated that Mr. Osimhen may be awaiting a formal approach from Manchester United. However, sources suggest that United’s interest is presently tempered by concerns regarding the player’s current wage expectations. The club is unlikely to re-engage in negotiations absent a clear indication of Mr. Osimhen’s willingness to revise his salary demands.
Liverpool FC’s interest in acquiring Mr. Osimhen has intensified, though the Merseyside club is expected to face substantial competition from various European suitors. Among them is Juventus FC, who, under newly appointed sporting director Mr. Damien Comolli, have escalated efforts to secure the forward’s signature.
In light of the competitive market and financial implications, Liverpool are reportedly evaluating alternative attacking reinforcements. Notable among these are Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Šeško—both of whom represent high-cost options in their own right.#newsafro_
