Arsenal
Liverpool’s Premier League triumph beneath Arne Slot was a press release. Not nearly successful, however about constructing a brand new period post-Klopp. With the summer season window now in full swing, switch exercise is already intensifying and TBR Soccer has reported that the Reds have held talks with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The 26-year-old Nigeria worldwide spent final season on mortgage at Galatasaray, the place he scored a staggering 37 objectives and registered 8 assists in 41 video games. Described by Gianfranco Zola as “an entire participant”, Osimhen is without doubt one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe this summer season.
However Liverpool usually are not alone of their pursuit. Manchester United are additionally eager, but the Premier League champions would possibly simply have the sting.
Liverpool’s Summer season Ambition Alerts Severe Intent
Liverpool usually are not pausing to have a good time their title win. Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes have already secured Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are actively pursuing additional reinforcements, together with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Bayer’s Florian Wirtz.
Nevertheless, the necessity for a real No. 9 has remained a precedence. In line with TBR Soccer, “Liverpool ‘held talks with Osimhen’s camp final month’,” a transparent signal of intent from the Anfield hierarchy.
Napoli are reportedly able to promote and the £63 million launch clause makes the deal comparatively simple from a valuation standpoint. Nevertheless it’s Osimhen’s wage calls for that current a major hurdle. “GiveMeSport reported final month that Osimhen needs as a lot as £400,000 per week as wage at his subsequent membership.”
Why Osimhen Suits Liverpool’s System
Underneath Slot, Liverpool’s attacking play has shifted in direction of a extra direct and structured form, and Osimhen might be the ultimate piece in that puzzle. His power, motion and deadly ending would provide a constant aim menace, whereas additionally serving to stretch defences, creating extra room for the likes of Salah, Diaz and Szoboszlai.
At Galatasaray, Osimhen proved he can thrive beneath stress, serving to them to a home double. That pedigree, alongside his bodily profile and tactical intelligence, makes him tailored for the Premier League. The Nigerian striker just isn’t solely prolific but additionally disciplined, providing extra than simply objectives.
Man United additionally
TBR Soccer additionally studies that Manchester United “held talks with the 26-year-old striker’s camp final month.” United stay out there for a confirmed ahead and have additionally contacted Sporting CP over Viktor Gyokeres. However United’s lack of Champions League soccer and relative instability could tip the scales in Liverpool’s favour.
As TBR notes, “Liverpool… are the Premier League champions and won’t solely play within the Champions League subsequent season, however they may also purpose to win it.” That sort of ambition is more likely to attraction to a participant of Osimhen’s calibre.
Monetary Problem Might Resolve End result
Whereas Osimhen’s launch clause is palatable, his wage calls for push the bounds of Liverpool’s conventional pay construction. The £400,000-per-week request exceeds even Mohamed Salah’s present phrases and should require compromise from each events. Nevertheless, if Liverpool consider Osimhen is the lacking hyperlink of their squad, they might select to flex financially.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
From a Liverpool fan’s viewpoint, this appears like a defining second within the Slot period. After a triumphant title-winning season, including somebody of Victor Osimhen’s calibre might be the kind of elite transfer that units the tone for a dynasty quite than a one-off success.
Osimhen isn’t just a goalscorer, he’s a tone-setter. Watching him bulldoze by defences in Turkey and lead the road with authority reminds many supporters of peak Suarez or Torres. With Darwin Núñez nonetheless struggling for consistency, and Diogo Jota susceptible to accidents, this transfer simply is sensible.
That mentioned, the £400,000-per-week wage raises eyebrows. It goes towards the FSG mannequin. However with the likes of United sniffing round, it could be time to adapt. Titles are gained on the pitch, not on the stability sheet. Followers will hope the membership sees this as a uncommon alternative so as to add a world-class ahead who’s coming into his peak years.
The truth that he has reportedly turned down Saudi riches to chase Premier League and Champions League goals is a large constructive. It exhibits he’s hungry. And Liverpool want gamers who wish to struggle, not simply acquire a cheque.
If Hughes and Slot can pull this off, it could be one of many signings of the summer season.
