Victor Osimhen prediction made after Liverpool opens talks over swap deal

The Victor Osimhen to Liverpool transfer rumour has stepped up, with fresh reports claiming the Reds have now opened dialogue with Napoli over a possible deal involving Darwin Nunez.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are weighing a move for the 26-year-old Nigeria striker, who is expected to leave Napoli this summer. Talks have reportedly included the idea of a direct swap, with Nunez going the other way — or potentially involving Federico Chiesa as part of a three-way negotiation.

Liverpool’s top forward target remains Alexander Isak, but the club would likely need to break the British transfer record to sign him from Newcastle. With that in mind, Osimhen has emerged as a more affordable Plan B.

The Reds have already spent big on Florian Wirtz, who joined earlier this month and now ranks as the club’s third highest-paid player.

Sources say Osimhen would be open to a Liverpool move, but his salary could pose a problem. The Napoli striker earns $11.5 million net per year, and his gross wages are close to $23m — not far behind Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who are Liverpool’s top earners.

Liverpool’s wage structure is tightly controlled, and while Wirtz has slotted in at £14m gross per year, Osimhen may need to lower his demands to make the deal work.

Osimhen fits Liverpool’s pressing style better than Nunez. He’s more clinical, holds the ball well, and plays with greater consistency in big games. If Nunez is offloaded, Osimhen represents a proven elite-level option — and his price could be manageable via a swap.

But Liverpool will need to navigate wage demands carefully. With Salah’s contract still unresolved, committing to another mega-salary could complicate future negotiations.

Liverpool’s striker plans may hinge on Nunez’s future. If he leaves, the Reds could move quickly for Osimhen — especially if Napoli lower demands or agree on a player-plus-cash deal.

Should Liverpool go all in for Osimhen — or hold out for Isak?