Premier League giant Liverpool have sparked interest in highly-rated Nigerian and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The 24-year-old Osimhen is reported to leave Napoli at the end of the season after his public fallout with the club last month when the Serie A outfit’s social media team appeared to mock him for missing a penalty against Bologna and labelled him a ‘coconut’.
The Sun reports that Reds manager Jurgen Klopp sent scouts to Portugal to watch Osimhen during Nigeria’s international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal.
Osimhen played 60 minutes of Nigeria’s friendly with Saudi Arabia in Portugal before a hamstring injury forced him off. He did not play in their next friendly against Mozambique.
With the Saudi Arabia League set to reignite their big-money bid for Egyptian striker Mo Salah in January, Klopp is planning a reinforcement and has identified Osimhen as a potential forward to replace the Egyptian.
Read also Osimhen ruled out of next three matches at Napoli
“Jurgen Klopp sent scouts to keep tabs on Osimhen in Nigeria’s friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in the Algarve over the last week,” The Sun reports.
“The Napoli ace played for just an hour against the Saudis before picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw.
“But the Liverpool boss already knows about the brilliance of Osimhen, 24, who fired Napoli to the Serie A title last term.”
Osimhen is considered one of the best strikers in the world today and played a crucial role in Napoli winning the Serie A title last season. With 31 goals in all competitions, Osimhen is emerging as a high reinforcement for Liverpool.
The 24-year-old 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist has a high market value, and Napoli’s valuation for the striker is estimated at €120 million. Liverpool must be prepared to meet the price if they want the signature. of Osimhen who has already scored six goals from eight league matches for the Serie A champions in the 2023/24 season.
