Premier League champions Liverpool reportedly made a bold player-plus-cash offer to Napoli for Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, but the Italian club is said to have turned it down, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen, who netted an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances during a standout loan spell at Galatasaray, has become one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. Despite interest from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal and other European clubs, Liverpool were the latest side to test Napoli’s resolve.
According to Sebastien Vidal of Weekend Sports, the Reds proposed a deal involving Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, and £17 million in cash. The offer, though substantial, reportedly fell short of Napoli’s valuation.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel
“Faced with the complexity of the Isak case, Liverpool have launched a shock offer to Napoli: Darwin Nunez + Federico Chiesa + £17 million to sign Victor Osimhen,” Vidal tweeted.
“Arne Slot wants an elite No. 9 to defend the title. Napoli are listening, but want more. Manchester United are also in the running… A big showdown ahead.”
Devant la complexité du dossier Isak, Liverpool a lancé une offre choc à Naples : Darwin Núñez + Federico Chiesa + 17M£ pour recruter Victor Osimhen 🔥
Arne Slot veut un n°9 d’élite pour défendre le titre. Naples écoute, mais veut plus. Man Utd aussi sur le coup…
Gros bras de…
— Sébastien Vidal (@SebEcrivainFoot) June 23, 2025
While Osimhen’s release clause is believed to be €75 million (£64m), Liverpool’s package could arguably exceed that when factoring in the market value of the two players involved. Nunez cost Liverpool €100m (including add-ons) in 2022, and Chiesa was signed from Juventus last summer for a fee rising to €15m, per TNT Sports and ESPN.
Napoli wants more lucrative deal for Victor Osimhen
However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is known for driving a hard bargain, and it appears the Italian side is holding out for a more straightforward or more lucrative package, potentially involving cash closer to or above Osimhen’s full release clause, or different player profiles.
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is reportedly keen to bring in a top-class No. 9 to lead the line in the post-Klopp era, with Osimhen fitting that mould perfectly.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the situation closely, potentially setting up a bidding war in what could be one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
As it stands, Napoli are listening but not yet convinced. Whether Liverpool return with an improved offer remains to be seen.
