Former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong, who now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Kholood, has claimed that Liverpool — along with multiple other top sides — has already discussed the possibility of signing Victor Osimhen this summer.
Toost-Ekong, who is the captain of Nigeria and therefore plays with Osimhen at international level, has claimed the Reds could be an option for the 26-year-old, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray. Napoli is expected to sell him in the summer, and he has a release clause worth around $87M (£67M/€80M) written into his contract with the Serie A side.
“I know he’s a Chelsea fan, but I also know he’s had talks with all the top teams,” Troost-Ekong told TalkSport. “It’s up to him what he chooses. He will fit into every team. I know Liverpool have spoken about getting a new striker next season. We will see.
“I’m also reading, like everyone else is, that he has a clause this summer. When he went to Galatasaray I think it worked out amazingly for him. I couldn’t see him playing there for another season, or anywhere else but the Premier League next season.”
Osimhen has scored 26 goals in 30 appearances for Galatasaray so far this season. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all also been linked with him.
“Finishing is the part he’s working on the most,” Troost-Ekong said. “His qualities are his tenacity, he’s relentless, he’ll chase down every ball. In the air he’s amazing.
(Image: Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images))
“You can play the ball up to him and he’ll hold the ball up. If he’s one-on-one in the box, or you cross it in, he’s going to score. He’s direct so I think that’s why he would suit the Premier League.”
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have managed just 15 goals between them this term. Arne Slot has often played Luis Diaz as a false nine, in part in order to make up for the lack of a consistent finisher in the team aside from Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool.com says: Signing a new No. 9 in the summer will be important for the Reds. An upgrade on Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez definitely feels realistic to bring in, whether that is Osimhen or someone else. Liverpool needs someone who is reliable in front of goal and with a good injury record, with Alexander Isak and Julian Alvarez also having been mentioned as possible options lately.