Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United have reportedly entered into discussions to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed on TBR Football that both English heavyweights have spoken with the 26-year-old’s representatives in a bid to lure him to England.
Victor Osimhen, who enjoyed a prolific campaign in Turkey with Galatasaray last season, is said to be determined to play in the Premier League and has already rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Nigeria Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen
Nigeria Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit X
While Liverpool’s top attacking target remains Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Osimhen is seen as a more attainable option, particularly with Napoli reportedly willing to part ways with their forward for a fee in the region of £50 million — below his £63 million release clause.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit X
Liverpool & Man Utd hold talks to sign Super Eagles star Osimhen
Manchester United, too, are in the race. The Red Devils have reportedly met with Osimhen’s agent as they assess ways to bolster a frontline that underperformed last season.
Rasmus Hojlund’s form dipped significantly after a bright start, and new signing Joshua Zirkzee has yet to hit the ground running.
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Osimhen, who previously starred in Serie A with Napoli, scored 76 goals and provided 12 assists in 133 appearances after arriving from Lille in 2020. He was instrumental in Napoli’s 2022/23 Scudetto-winning campaign but endured a sour end to his time at the club.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
Following a breakdown in his relationship with the Napoli hierarchy, he moved to Galatasaray on loan for the 2023/24 season.
His time in Turkey has been even more productive. Osimhen netted 37 goals and contributed eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, leading Galatasaray to a domestic double.
Despite strong interest from the Saudi Pro League, he has made it clear that his future lies in Europe’s top leagues.
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen
Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
With Liverpool’s Diogo Jota struggling with injuries and Darwin Núñez yet to fully convince, and with United’s attack needing a consistent goal-scorer, Osimhen could offer a powerful solution for either club.
Off the pitch, Osimhen has returned to Nigeria to spend part of his summer break after a long campaign. The forward has not taken to a football pitch since lifting the Turkish league and cup titles with Galatasaray.
Nigeria Super Eagles stars Bright Osayi-Samuel, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi
Nigeria Super Eagles stars Bright Osayi-Samuel, Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi. Photo by IMAGO
The former Lille star missed Nigeria’s Unity Cup success in London — where the Super Eagles beat Ghana and Jamaica — as well as the recent 1-1 friendly draw with Russia in Moscow.
As things stand, Osimhen is unlikely to feature at the FIFA Club World Cup, having rejected multiple overtures from Al-Hilal. His next appearance could well be in the colours of a new Premier League club.