Liverpool have reportedly earmarked Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a possible replacement for Darwin Nunez, who hasn’t quite had the desired impact since his arrival from Benfica three years ago.
Nunez, 26, has struck 40 times and provided 26 assists in 143 games across competitions for the Reds since January 2022. However, the 25-year-old was a fringe player in the club’s triumphant 2024-25 Premier League-winning campaign, contributing five goals and three assists in 30 games, starting eight.
Although his current deal expires in 2028, the Reds are looking to bolster their options up front, plunging Nunez‘s future into doubt. GiveMeSport (via Caught Offisde) has reported that boss Arne Slot is eyeing the 26-year-old Osimhen.
The Nigerian is coming off a productive season with Galatasaray – where he was on loan – bagging 37 goals and eight assists in 41 games across competitions. Osimhen has 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games across competitions for his parent club, including 26 strikes and five assists in 32 games in their victorious 2022-23 Serie A campaign.
In what comes as music to the Reds’ ears, Osimhen has reportedly rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, as he prefers to remain in Europe. The striker’s current value (as per Transfermarkt) is €70 million, so he won’t come cheap, though. Moreover, domestic rivals Manchester United are also in the fray for his services.
Liverpool are coming off a successful season under new boss Arne Slot, who arrived at the Anfield helm to succeed the legendary Jurgen Klopp, making an instant impact.
In his first season in English football, the former Feyenoord tactician won the league title, with the Reds finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, winning 25 of 38 games. It was their second triumph in the Premier League era – first since 2020 – and 20th title in the English top flight, moving level with Manchester United.
Although Slot’s side fell in the FA Cup fourth round, they reached the EFL Cup final, losing 2-1 to Newcastle United. They suffered an early exit in Europe, though. After a productive league phase campaign, the Reds fell on penalties at home to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.
Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.
Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.
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