We broke the Italian news earlier this week that Liverpool are seriously considering signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The striker’s contract with Napoli expires in 2025, and president Aurelio De Laurentiis of the club has suggested he may have changed his mind about signing a new one.
Italian journalist Valter De Maggio told Televomero, relayed by Area Napoli, that Liverpool are the reason behind the 24-year-old’s change of heart.
De Maggio claims both the frontman and his agent, Roberto Calenda, have decided against signing an extension at the Naples club because of the Reds’ interest.
He further adds Liverpool have found an agreement with the player and a deal has to be agreed with the Serie A winners for the transfer to take shape.
“The parties had reached an agreement for the renewal, but then Calenda and Osimhen went back on their word. What happened? There was the inclusion of another club, from the Premier League. I’m talking about Liverpool,” he said.
“There would be frequent contacts, but I just learned something else: there would be agreements already reached. Let me clarify: the agreements would be between the Reds and the player, therefore they would not involve Napoli. I hope Laurentiis will be able to keep Victor Osimhen at least until June, but we can’t be sure.”
It remains to be seen whether De Maggio’s claim about Liverpool will be backed up by others in the Italian media.
The Nigeria international joined the Italian champions from Lille in 2020 and in the same window, Liverpool wanted to sign him. This was then revealed by his agent, Calenda.
Osimhen contributed significantly to Napoli’s championship season last year by scoring 31 goals and dishing out five assists. In 10 games this season, he has six goals and an assist.
