Liverpool boss Arne Slot has dismissed speculation that Victor Osimhen was ever on the club’s transfer radar, despite strong rumours over the summer linking the Nigerian striker with a move to Anfield.
The Reds reinforced their frontline with two high-profile signings, bringing in Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak to strengthen their attack after Darwin Nunez’s dip in form. With Diogo Jota’s demise, Liverpool felt compelled to sign not one but two natural strikers.
“How should I say this in the right way in English… Because of an enormous tragedy that happened with Diogo Jota in the end, we had to bring in two number nines,” Slot explained during his pre-match press conference on Monday.
“We always thought we were going to replace Darwin Nunez, but in the end, we had to bring in two number nines. We are always looking for very good players, but it was always clear to us from the start that we wanted to bring in these two (Ekitike and Isak) if we needed to.”
Osimhen, who had been linked with several Premier League sides including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, ultimately rejoined Galatasaray after a successful loan spell in Istanbul. The 26-year-old has scored an incredible 39 goals in just 45 appearances for the Turkish champions, making him one of Europe’s most lethal finishers.
Liverpool now face the challenge of keeping Osimhen quiet when they meet Galatasaray in the Champions League clash at Rams Park on Tuesday. The Turkish side are notoriously strong at home and, with Osimhen leading their attack, pose a serious test for Slot’s men.
There is, however, a question mark over the Nigerian’s fitness. He featured for only five minutes in Galatasaray’s weekend win over Alanyaspor after recently returning from injury. Head coach Okan Buruk hinted he may not be fully ready for a full 90 minutes against Liverpool.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
