Transfer Talk: Liverpool eye Osimhen to replace Salah،
The summer transfer window is closed across Europe, but there are still moves afoot and plenty of gossip swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Liverpool consider Osimhen to replace Salah
Liverpool waiting in the wings for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after the Italian group confirmed that contract negotiations had stalled, according to the Mirror.
Report suggests Liverpool have identified the 24-year-old as a potential replacement Mohamed Salahwho is the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia which could see the Egypt international leave Anfield in January.
Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move away from Napoli in recent weeks, although he was an integral part of Napoli’s Serie A title win last season, scoring 26 goals in the competition. His contract with the club expires in the summer of 2025 and there has been a lack of progress regarding a new deal.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed the impasse in contract negotiations, revealing that “it takes two to tango”, before concluding “if his [Osimhen] “The mood has changed, so there’s not much I can do about it,” indicating the Nigeria international may be looking to move elsewhere. The striker was reportedly unhappy with the club’s social media mockery, which has created even more uncertainty about its future.
De Laurentiis also said: “I sold [Kalidou] Koulibaly at the last minute”, referring to how the defender was transferred to Chelsea as he entered the final year of his contract with the club, suggesting a similar approach could be used for Osimhen.
However, after his exploits last season, Liverpool will face stiff competition to secure Osimhen’s signature, with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea both reportedly interested in the striker.
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Paper gossip
– Manchester United will have to pay £60 million to secure the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, by Football Insider. The Red Devils are reportedly looking for defensive reinforcements in January following the injuries suffered by Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez this season. However, the report states that Guehi may not be receptive to a move away from Selhurst Park as the defender seeks regular first-team football ahead of England’s participation in the 2024 European Championship.
– Liverpool showing ‘due diligence’ as they consider move for Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala, reports Football Insider. The Germany international has reportedly become frustrated at having to settle for a substitute place, which could open the door to a move away from the German champions. The report states that Liverpool are aware of the potential opportunity to complete a deal for the 20-year-old, who has made just two starts in the Bundesliga this season.
– Leeds United striker Crysencio Summerville is attracting significant interest in the Premier League, with clubs planning a move in January, reveals Fabrizio Romano. The 21-year-old was linked with numerous top clubs this summer, with Everton, Bournemouth and Burnley all named as interested parties at the time. However, after scoring four goals and two assists in nine league appearances this season – including a stunning brace in Leeds’ 3-2 win at Norwich City on Saturday – Romano suggests more Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on the international Dutch junior.
– Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could leave the Toffees in January due to interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, according to the Sun. The 26-year-old has suffered serious injury problems in recent times, but has managed to stay fit in recent weeks, allowing him to score three goals in his last five appearances in all competitions. The report reveals that Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard will have to get rid of some foreign players before attempting to sign Calvert-Lewin.
