English Premier League
Former Liverpool star wants Victor Osimhen to join the Reds
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol has urged the Reds to pursue Victor Osimhen’s signature if Mohamed Salah departs the club this summer.
With potential departures looming, Liverpool is reportedly exploring options to strengthen their squad, with Osimhen emerging as a candidate due to his versatility across the forward line.
Salah has been a standout performer at Anfield since joining in 2017, but speculation suggests the 31-year-old Egyptian may eventually seek a new challenge, especially with the possibility of Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Salah’s contract is set to expire in 2025, and with no renewal in sight, he could leave the club this summer if a lucrative offer materializes.
Last summer, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad made an offer of over £100m for Salah, which was rejected by Liverpool. However, reports indicate that the Reds would consider selling if a similar offer is made this summer.
The Egyptian has been in sensational form this season, contributing 37 goals and assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool.
Like Salah, Osimhen is also expected to be on the move this summer, and Nicol believes he could be the ideal replacement for his African compatriot at Liverpool.
The Napoli striker won the 2023 CAF Player of the Year Award, defeating Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.
Osimhen’s new contract with Napoli reportedly includes a release clause set at around €130m, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.
The 25-year-old has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Should Salah decide to leave Liverpool, Nicol believes signing the Serie A Golden Boot holder would be a perfect response by the club’s hierarchy.
“The fact that Salah is leaving, whether this year or next year, Osimhen? I think he would be fantastic for Liverpool,” Nicol told ESPN FC.
“In the middle of the park, we’ve just signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Endo’s turned out to be incredible, you need someone who will run all day and give it to Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Salah.”
