Liverpool have been on the hunt for new attackers ever since the summer transfer window opened up at the start of June.
And, while the Reds already have six high-quality attackers among their ranks at the moment, the fact that both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could be on their way out is a cause for concern.
While Nunez wasn’t in the best of form throughout the 2024-25 campaign, his injection of pace off the bench would be sorely missed.
Darwin Nunez stands with his hands on his hips during the 2025 Carabao Cup final
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Several attackers have been linked with a move to Anfield recently, and former Liverpool man El Hadji Diouf believes one of them could become as good as Sadio Mane.
El Hadj Diouf believes Victor Osimhen could become Liverpool’s next Sadio Mane
Who Liverpool’s striker is going to be next season has been a major topic of conversation at the club over the last few months.
Players such as Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres are the ones who have been linked the most, but recently, rumours around Victor Osimhen joining have also emerged.
And, while speaking to Africa Foot, Diouf has claimed that the Nigeria international has enough quality to become the Reds’ next big thing.
“I think it would be the best choice for him from a sporting perspective. Liverpool will be competing in the Champions League. Their plan has been clear for years,” he said.
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“They’re a very big club, perfectly structured, with significant resources. At Liverpool, Osimhen could take on a huge sporting challenge and earn a very good living.
“I’m convinced it could work, that these two players [Salah and Osimhen] could complement each other.
“I’d like to see this duo come together. Mohamed Salah had an exceptional season, finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer, and he played a big part in winning the title.
“Osimhen finished as the Turkish league’s top scorer. They are two footballers with different characteristics, but could get along very well.
“I remember the Mo Salah and Sadio Mane partnership, which worked very well. I think the Salah-Osimhen duo could do just as well!”
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after score a goal during the Ziraat Turkish Cup Quarter-Final match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray at Ulker Stadium
Photo by Isa Terli/Anadolu via Getty Images
Why Victor Osimhen could be Liverpool’s next Sadio Mane
Not only does Osimhen have the blistering pace that Mane did while he was at Liverpool, but he’s also just as clinical.
The striker has been called ‘devastating‘ by Gianfranco Zola and is widely regarded as one of the best number nines in the world.
Last season, he bagged 37 goals across all competitions and also chipped in with eight assists for his teammates.
Granted, he was playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, but the fact that he’s managed to contribute to that many goals is extremely impressive.
Osimhen is also only 26 years old, so he has plenty of time left at the top and would be a valuable addition to Liverpool for years to come.
At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess what the Reds’ starting XI could look like on the opening day of the season, but if it does end up including Osimhen, Liverpool will no doubt have one of the best teams in the world.