Liverpool are interested in signing Victor Osimhen, with Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis revealing talks over a new deal have stalled.
Osimhen helped fire Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990 last year with 26 league goals in 32 games, with the Nigerian’s form attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe. The 24-year-old’s current contract is due to expire in 2025 and Liverpool recently sent scouts to watch Osimhen in action during the international break.
Liverpool are thought to have held long-term interest in the forward and will be buoyed by De Laurentiis’ latest comments on Osimhen’s future. “I have never not been calm when it comes to Osimhen, but it takes two to tango,” he said.
“I remain the same, if his mood has changed, then there’s not much I can do about that. If after a handshake things change, that is disappointing, we take it into account, but life goes on. We have a good rapport with him, the contract runs to 2025, so there is time.
Don’t forget I sold [Kalidou] Koulibaly at the last minute.” Koulibaly spent eight seasons at Napoli before joining Chelsea for £33million after entering the final year of his contract, with De Laurentiis hinting the same thing could happen with Osimhen.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be interested in signing him, while Liverpool could make a move next summer if star man Mohamed Salah leaves. Salah has been heavily linked with a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League and Liverpool rejected an eyewatering £150m bid from Al-Ittihad last month.
But they are expected to renew their interest in Salah at the end of the season, with the league’s director of football Michael Emenalo speaking of his admiration for the Egyptian. “Mo is welcome at any time,” Emenalo told TZ .
“But no one is pressured or forced to come. If anyone would like to come and there is an opportunity to work with the releasing club in a very respectful and professional manner, we would be very happy to have them. But yeah, Mo is my personal favourite.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes this season will be Salah’s final one at Anfield. “I think for all parties it almost feels right next summer where Liverpool you think would still get a substantial transfer fee,” Carragher told talkSPORT.
“Liverpool would have Salah this season and give him a great opportunity for success and then Liverpool would have 12 months of thinking maybe someone, if there’s somebody out there who could possibly replace him.”
