Report: Napoli's Victor Osimhen sparks Liverpool's ambitious swap-deal push

The Reds have already secured Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi this summer, and sources confirm they are on the verge of finalizing deals for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, pushing their transfer spending beyond 200 million pounds.

Despite their hefty outlay, Liverpool are not slowing down. With potential departures looming for Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Luis Diaz, Andy Robertson, and Harvey Elliott, the Reds are looking to bolster their squad further, particularly in attack.

The need for a new forward has intensified as Nunez is heavily linked with an exit, with Napoli among the clubs showing interest.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano highlighted Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike as a "concrete target" for Liverpool, noting, "With Darwin leaving, Ekitike is a concrete target for Liverpool. They already spoke to the player's agents at the end of May, and they are in regular contact with people close to Ekitike."

However, the spotlight is on Osimhen, whose 63-million-pound release clause has not deterred Liverpool. Napoli are eager to move the Nigerian international, who rejected a permanent switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray in the 2024/25 season.

Journalist Rudy Galetti reported that Liverpool have "opened a direct channel" with Napoli, exploring a swap deal involving Nunez and Chiesa. Galetti stated, "During contacts between Napoli and Liverpool, which involved Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, Osimhen's name has come up. Early discussions are underway, but Liverpool are seriously exploring the striker's situation."

Osimhen's camp has signaled his openness to joining a Champions League club, with Liverpool's participation in the competition a significant draw. However, his high salary demands pose a challenge.

The potential sales of Nunez and Chiesa could free up approximately 15 million pounds annually, providing the financial flexibility to meet Osimhen's wages, according to reports. "The key obstacle could be the Nigerian star's salary demands, but if Liverpool sell Nunez and Chiesa, they would have the funds to make it work," a source close to the negotiations said.

Other strikers, including Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, remain on Liverpool's radar, but Osimhen's proven goal-scoring pedigree makes him a prime target.

As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool's bold strategy under Arne Slot is clear: they are building a squad capable of defending their Premier League title while competing in Europe.

Whether Osimhen becomes the centerpiece of their attack hinges on navigating the complexities of this high-stakes swap deal, but the Reds are determined to make a statement.