Sky Sports Reporter Confirms Liverpool are Set to Miss Out on £63.5m Striker | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Victor Osimhen Setback as Galatasaray Remain Confident

Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy has been aggressive, forward-thinking and, by most accounts, impressive. Arne Slot, fresh off delivering a Premier League title in his debut campaign, has wasted no time in reinforcing key areas. The arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and the expected club-record acquisition of Florian Wirtz underline a recruitment model with vision and conviction.

However, despite their early success in the window, Liverpool appear to be losing ground in one of their most high-profile pursuits — Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray Push Hard for Osimhen

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport reports that Turkish giants Galatasaray are “optimistic about securing the permanent signing of Victor Osimhen, despite top English clubs having re-entered the race over the past three to four days.”

This optimism from Galatasaray is no empty posturing. According to Plettenberg, they have presented Osimhen with a highly competitive contract offer worth between £12.7 million and £17 million annually, net. That kind of financial firepower is rare outside Europe’s top five leagues, yet Galatasaray are clearly making a statement.

The Turkish champions, having reclaimed domestic dominance last season, are now aiming to build continental credibility. Securing a forward of Osimhen’s calibre would be their boldest step yet.

Liverpool’s Interest Was Real

Reports indicate that Liverpool held internal discussions regarding a potential move for Osimhen. The striker’s dynamic profile — pace, power and clinical finishing — fits Arne Slot’s preferred attacking template. But financial realities and timing may have shifted the balance.

Napoli, unsurprisingly, are holding firm on Osimhen’s £63.5 million release clause. While Galatasaray are technically capable of activating it, they are currently in negotiations to spread the payment over several instalments, rather than paying the full amount upfront.

Liverpool, having committed significant funds to other key deals, may be reluctant to enter a bidding war or meet Napoli’s demands under tight terms. For all of Osimhen’s quality, Slot’s system may prioritise depth and tactical flexibility over an all-in move for one marquee striker.

Photo: IMAGO

Payment Structure Could Be Decisive

This deal now hinges not on wages or player desire but on financial engineering. Galatasaray are willing to pay Osimhen handsomely and are eager to seal the transfer quickly. But Napoli’s insistence on minimal instalments could derail even their ambitions.

“Galatasaray believe they can still close the deal and beat Premier League clubs if they can reach an agreement with Napoli over the structure of the payment,” Plettenberg notes.

Should a compromise be reached, Liverpool will likely have to turn their attention elsewhere. With Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota all capable through the middle, the Reds are not short of options — but Osimhen would have raised their frontline to another level.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s point of view, this report is as frustrating as it is familiar. Once again, a world-class talent seems to have been on the radar, only for financial caution or late-stage hesitation to let the opportunity slip.

Let’s be clear — if Galatasaray can afford to offer Victor Osimhen nearly £17 million per year and still negotiate his release clause, why can’t Liverpool, with Premier League and Champions League revenues, do the same?

Yes, the club has moved early and smartly in the market, but Osimhen is a game-changer. This isn’t about overspending — it’s about ambition. And ambition is exactly what brought Slot his first league title.

Supporters won’t accept the narrative that “there are already enough strikers.” This fanbase knows the difference between “enough” and “elite.” If the Nigerian ends up banging in goals for Galatasaray in Europe while Liverpool struggle to convert chances in key moments, this decision will be held up as a costly misstep.

Osimhen was there for the taking. And if Galatasaray win the race, it will feel like Liverpool didn’t even turn up to compete.