Transfer: Liverpool open talks with Napoli for Osimhen

Liverpool have opened talks with Napoli in an attempt to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in a potential blockbuster swap deal that could see Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa heading in the opposite direction.
According to TEAMtalk, the Merseyside club are actively negotiating with Napoli and Osimhen’s representatives, with the 26-year-old reportedly open to a move to Anfield.
Osimhen, who recently returned from a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray, is keen on continuing his career at the top level in Europe, despite mega-money offers from Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian international has a release clause of £63 million, a figure Liverpool are reluctant to meet outright.
Instead, the Premier League champions are exploring a part-exchange deal that would involve Uruguayan striker Núñez, who endured an underwhelming campaign last season, and Italian winger Chiesa, who has struggled with fitness and form since joining from Juventus.
Osimhen enjoyed a stellar 2024-2025 season with Galatasaray, netting 37 goals and providing seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his heroics in Turkey, Osimhen’s future at Napoli appears over. His relationship with the club soured last summer following a series of disputes, leading to his loan departure. Now, with just one year left on his Napoli contract, the striker’s departure seems inevitable.
Serie A side Juventus are also pushing hard to secure his signature. Sporting director Damien Comolli is said to be leading efforts to bring the Nigerian to Turin as a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who is expected to be sold.
However, Juve’s financial limitations mean they are looking for creative ways to match Osimhen’s €75 million valuation, possibly including staggered payments or player swaps.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray have not given up hope of retaining the striker and have reportedly offered him a lucrative deal worth up to €20 million per year.