At one stage early in the summer transfer window, Liverpool looked to be leading the chase for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, comfortably ahead of other interested clubs.
The Merseysiders are still seen as favourites to land the French attacker, although both Chelsea and Manchester United remain in talks with Frankfurt and the player’s representatives.
It’s a wide-open contest, and Liverpool will likely be disappointed that they can’t push ahead with a deal, largely due to Darwin Nunez still being part of Arne Slot’s squad. The Uruguayan is widely expected to depart this summer, but despite links to Serie A and the Saudi Pro League, nothing concrete has materialised yet.
Fortunately, Ekitike’s situation remains unchanged for now, with Frankfurt holding firm on their €100m (£85m) valuation—an asking price Liverpool are currently reluctant to match.
Given Nunez’s anticipated exit, Liverpool would be wise to consider other targets, and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one alternative name currently doing the rounds.
Liverpool’s Interest in Viktor Gyokeres
Newcastle United’s Champions League qualification means they’re in a strong position to stick to their hefty £150m valuation of Alexander Isak.
As a result, alternatives such as Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres have come under consideration. Gyokeres, in particular, presents a compelling case, having netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 outings for the Portuguese side.
In recent weeks, Arsenal and Manchester United have shown more concrete intent than Liverpool, although the Reds remain interested. The Gunners appear to have the upper hand, especially after the striker hinted at a preference for a move to the Emirates over Old Trafford.
There’s little debate that Gyokeres would be an upgrade on Darwin Nunez, who has yet to fully adapt to Premier League demands despite his obvious talent. However, at 27, and with Sporting holding out for his €100m (£85m) release clause, he falls into the same high-value bracket as Ekitike.
Liverpool were reportedly in contact with the Swedish forward as early as May, but there are doubts over whether his prolific scoring form would carry over to England. That concern has led the Reds to also explore another promising and potentially more suitable option.
Liverpool Open Talks for Nunez Replacement
According to the latest update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool believe they may have found a solution to both parting ways with Darwin Nunez and securing a new number nine.
The proposed plan involves offering the 25-year-old forward, along with Federico Chiesa, to Napoli in exchange for Victor Osimhen, with initial discussions over a possible swap deal already underway.
Osimhen, 26, recently wrapped up a productive loan stint at Galatasaray following his split from Napoli, and a summer move now appears inevitable.
Valued at around £60 million, the Nigerian striker represents a more affordable option compared to other targets. Including Nunez, Chiesa, or both in the deal could further reduce the overall cost.
Why Liverpool Should Sign Victor Osimhen
FSG have long faced criticism over perceived frugality, but it’s hard to argue that Liverpool’s owners haven’t shown ambition in the transfer market so far this summer.
That said, activity behind the scenes at Anfield remains intense, and the club’s finances aren’t limitless. In that context, Victor Osimhen stands out as a relatively affordable option for a striker of elite calibre.
While Hugo Ekitike boasts significant potential, he lacks the polish of Osimhen at this stage. And even Gyokeres, despite his impressive numbers, has yet to truly prove himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues at 27.
Osimhen, a powerful and mobile centre-forward, has earned praise for his “world-class” finishing from Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley — exactly the kind of quality Liverpool have been missing at the spearhead of their attack.
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/25 – Galatasaray | 41 | 37 | 8 |
| 23/24 – Napoli | 32 | 17 | 4 |
| 22/23 – Napoli | 39 | 31 | 5 |
| 21/22 – Napoli | 32 | 18 | 6 |
| 20/21 – Napoli | 30 | 10 | 3 |
| Stats Source: Transfermarkt | |||
But Osimhen isn’t just about scoring goals. Strong, resilient, and more dynamic than he initially appears, the £83k-per-week striker is known for his ability to carry the ball forward with intent, creating chances not only for himself but also for his teammates.
While Viktor Gyokeres is undoubtedly a capable finisher with an all-round attacking game, bringing him to the Premier League would carry more risk compared to a proven performer like Osimhen. As reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool need certainty at the highest level.
According to FBref, Osimhen ranked in the top 4% of forwards in Europe last season for shot-creating actions, top 18% for progressive carries, and top 16% for ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
These numbers underline his mobility and ability to make full use of his athleticism — far from being just a classic target man, he’s effective both in and out of possession.
Elegant, sharp, and full of character, Osimhen would bring flair, fire, and a winning mindset to Liverpool’s front line.
Gyokeres is physically imposing in his own right, but he hasn’t reached Osimhen’s level, despite being a year younger. Given that he may command a higher transfer fee, Liverpool must weigh their decision carefully. A misstep here could derail their title defence under Arne Slot and hamper their ambitions across all competitions.
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