Jurgen Klopp eyeing up move for Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is considering a move for Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen and sent a club scout to watch the Napoli striker during the international break. The Nigeria star was due to be in action for his country against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in the Algarve over the past week.
Osimhen featured for an hour against the Saudi’s before succumbing to a hamstring injury in front of one of Klopp’s trusted scouts, according to The Sun. The Reds, along with their Premier League rivals, are considering the possibility of capitalising on the deterioration of Osimhen’s relationship with the reigning Serie A champions.
Napoli Striker’s Relationship With Club Sours
Osimhen’s goals powered Napoli to a rare Scudetto triumph last season but he was left crestfallen and disheartened after he was mocked by his own club on social media following a penalty miss earlier this month. Napoli will be reluctant to sell a player they value at £100m, but Liverpool are already making contingency plans ahead of an anticipated renewed effort from Saudi Pro League clubs to sign Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool Already Boast Wealth Of Attacking Options
Liverpool already boast a wealth of attacking options and it is only just over a year since they invested over £80m on Darwin Nunez. The Uruguay international has shown glimpses of potential during his Anfield career to date and has earned cult hero status as a result of his energetic and, at times, erratic style. Nunez has scored five goals in all competitions so far this season and was also on target for Uruguay in their historic win over Brazil earlier this week.
The 24-year-old, however, is regarded as very much a work in progress with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen claiming he requires ‘a lot of coaching’ after a wayward performance against Union St Gilloise earlier this month. Speaking on TNT Sports, Owen said: ‘It’s either lack of confidence, or lack of ability or not concentrating but in theory in professional football most people should be able to finish that.
Chelsea Also Keeping Tabs On Osimhen’s Situation
Chelsea, meanwhile, are also keeping tabs on Osimhen’s situation given their own problems in front of goal. Summer signing Christopher Nkunku is likely to be out with a knee injury until January, leaving Mauricio Pochettino reliant on Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja, who has only recently returned from a long-term lay-off.
Conclusion
With both Liverpool and Chelsea looking to bolster their attacking options, Victor Osimhen is an attractive option for both clubs. With Napoli unlikely to let him go easily, it remains to be seen if either club will be able to secure his signature. For more news and updates on the transfer window, check out Metro Sport’s sport page.