Napoli president gives Liverpool hope over Victor Osimhen transfer

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has put suitors on alert by admitting that star striker Victor Osimhen could be sold.

Recently it was claimed that Liverpool have a 'strong interest' in the Nigerian forward, whose contract renewal negotiations in Naples are at a standstill.

The 24-year-old has become one of the world's top strikers in recent years, helping fire Napoli to a historic scudetto with 26 Serie A goals in 32 games in 2022/23.

Despite his success in Italy, Osimhen – whose contract is due to expire in 2025 – is widely expected to leave his current club at the end of the current season.

Though Napoli have been trying to tie him down to a new deal, the Serie A champions may ultimately have to accept the reality of having to cash in on Osimhen in order to avoid losing him on a free.

There will be no shortage of suitors for the former Lille man, with Liverpool just the latest club linked.

Speaking in a press conference, famously outspoken Napoli president De Laurentiis suggested contract talks have not gone to plan and the player could end up being sold like former fans' favourite Kalidou Koulibaly.

De Laurentiis said: “I have never not been calm when it comes to Osimhen, but it takes two to tango.

"I remain the same, if his mood has changed, then there’s not much I can do about that.

"If after a handshake things change, that is disappointing, we take it into account, but life goes on.

“We have a good rapport with him, the contract runs to 2025, so there is time. Don’t forget I sold Koulibaly at the last minute.”

Whether Liverpool are in the market for another big-money forward next year may depend on the future of Saudi-linked Mohamed Salah.

READ MORE: How will Liverpool replace Mohamed Salah when the time comes?

In recent days, it has been reported that Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane is the Reds' 'number one' target to replace the Egyptian if and when the does leave. Bayern's Jamal Musiala – although a very different type of player – has also been tipped as a target.

Anfield Watch understands that strengthening the defence will be Liverpool's 2024 recruitment priority, while the Reds also have priority in any deal for Andre Trindade.