Liverpool’s potential pursuit of Victor Osimhen has been dealt a blow, with a chief Galatasaray figure claiming he is growing increasingly confident that the striker will rejoin the Turkish club this summer.
Osimhen spent this season on loan at Galatasaray, netting an incredible 37 goals in 41 appearances as the Istanbul side won the Turkish league and cup double.
But his future remains uncertain with Osimhen returning to Napoli this summer, and is expected to move on the transfer window. He has been linked with several sides, including the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Recent reports have claimed he could become an important part of Arne Slot ’s second-season plans, with several strikers now off the market.
Atletico Madrid has ruled out a departure for Julian Alvarez, Liam Delap has joined Chelsea, and Benjamin Sesko seems destined for Arsenal.
It means Osimhen is one of the few viable options remaining if Liverpool does attempt to sign a striker this summer.
Victor Osimhen spent last season on loan at Galatasaray
Osimhen enjoyed a superb season on loan at Galatasaray. (Image: Getty Images)
Reports last week indicated the former Lille and Wolfsburg frontman was on the verge of joining Al-Hilal, but it has since been claimed Osimhen turned down a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League and would prefer to remain in Europe.
That is something Galatasaray, who will play in the Champions League next season, can offer.
In an interview this week, the club’s vice president Ibrahim Hatipoglu revealed he hopes to convince Osimhen to sign permanently for Galatasaray this summer.
“When they [Napoli] offered us Osimhen [last year], we didn't need a striker, but the name they offered us was Osimhen. We signed him in two days,” he told Spanish outlet AS.
Victor Osimhen
Osimhen was a title-winner in Naples.
“Abdullah Kavukcu, head of transfers, is managing Osimhen's process along with Italian agent George Gardi. It's not an easy process.
“Every day that passes, the chances of Osimhen staying at Galatasaray increase.”
The attacker is a proven goalscorer at every level. He netted 76 in 133 appearances for Napoli, and scored almost a goal every other game when playing in Ligue 1.
Twenty-six goals from 41 Nigeria caps is also a good return, and explains why Osimhen has earned such vast transfer interest this summer.