Darwin Nunez is held in high regard at Liverpool. It’s perhaps the fanbase’s predilection toward their Uruguayan, once billed as a club-record man, that has kept him on the books for so long. Another personality to have followed his pathway might not receive the same warmth, encouragement.
Certainly, he flattered to deceive across his maiden term in the Premier League, only scoring nine goals after being entrusted with a starring role by Jurgen Klopp, who was enamoured by Nunez’s 2021/22 Champions League campaign with Benfica.
He improved the following year, notching 32 goal contributions across all competitions and lifting the Carabao Cup during a resurgent year for club and player. But there was still something missing.
The arrival of Arne Slot bespoke a new chapter, and it was something Nunez needed to harness. However, the 25-year-old is now for sale after his third term on Merseyside, having scored only seven goals last season, awarded just the one start in the league since Boxing Day.
At times unstoppable; always unpredictable. But Nunez is a maverick even to the inner workings of his own mind, and he’s proved a nut too tough to crack even for Slot.
Liverpool need a new striker. That’s clear.
Liverpool planning to sign a new striker
It was something of a surprise when news broke on Monday evening that Newcastle United are looking to close a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool fans might be excited by this, even though Ekitike has been among FSG’s top targets this summer, for it casts Alexander Isak’s future at St. James’ Park into some kind of doubt. Could the two truly cohabit at number nine for the Magpies?
But the Sweden star is valued at £200m, and the Reds might have been inclined to turn their attention to Viktor Gyokeres, who had scored 97 goals across two seasons for Sporting Lisbon.
Alas, Isak’s international teammate is bound for Arsenal.
However, Liverpool’s list of options at the front of the ship extends further than the aforementioned, with one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen on the radar.
Indeed, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, that list has Victor Osimhen’s name on it, with Napoli desperate to offload the Nigeria international this summer. A breakdown in his relationship with the Neapolitan outfit led to the forward’s departure on loan to Galatasaray last summer.
Osimhen is believed to have a price tag in the region of £60m, and while Galatasaray are pushing to seal the 26-year-old on a permanent deal, Liverpool’s financial and sporting advantages could hold sway, should sporting director Richard Hughes wish to take the interest up a gear.
Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen
Liverpool know that Luis Diaz could leave Anfield this summer, with Bayern Munich having seen an official proposal knocked back and the Colombian hoping to complete a move away.
If he goes, Liverpool will need to sign a high-cost replacement. That plays into the attractiveness of a deal for Osimhen, who is comparatively affordable.
Moreover, he’s proven across a number of years in Ligue 1 and the Italian top flight, actually winning the Serie A in 2022/23, crowned the Italian Players’ Player of the Year after his 26-goal campaign.
Last season, the 27-year-old Gyokeres, on paper, might have outstripped his African positional peer somewhat, but Osimhen still forged a stunning season for himself, and he’s proven at a higher level than Arsenal’s new recruit, who is older besides.
In fact, take Ekitike into the equation too, and you can see that Osimhen really might be the one to go for between the two.
Matches (starts)
29 (27)
33 (31)
33 (31)
Goals
26
15
39
Assists
5
8
7
Touches*
26.4
35.0
40.0
Shots (on target)*
4.7 (1.9)
3.5 (1.5)
4.2 (2.4)
Big chances missed
25
16
23
Accurate passes
7.9 (67%)
14.5 (76%)
15.0 (73%)
Big chances created
11
12
11
Key passes*
1.1
1.3
1.9
Dribbles*
0.8
1.6
1.8
Duels (won)*
5.7 (55%)
4.2 (41%)
5.5 (50%)
Liverpool might be frustrated by Newcastle’s ostensible advantage in the race for Ekitike, but the Frenchman is a raw and unfinished article, albeit one with plenty of blank script to write a glowing career for himself.
But Osimhen is proven, tried and tested. He’s one of the best in the business, with statistician Statman Dave even declaring him as “the best striker on the market” earlier in 2025.
Signing one of Ekitike or Isak is no doubt a tantalising thought for those of a Liverpool persuasion, but it’s one which may not come to fruition.
And even so, with sights set on Osimhen, who is without a doubt more complete and accomplished than Ekitike at this point in time and has the tools to rival Newcastle’s talisman on English shores.
It’s what Liverpool need to stay ahead of the curve. They’ve had high potential. They’ve invested in Nunez. And now, with the Uruguay international heading off for pastures new, the Reds need someone capable of leading the line with the conviction and quality of a world-class player, willing to throw down the gauntlet and challenge Gyokeres, Isak and Erling Haaland for that prized position.
He’s a “monster” in the final third, as described by analyst Ben Mattinson, with a strong-sinew physicality and a deceptively mobile approach which denotes his suitability in Slot’s system, willing to interchange and create required, creating some layered and shifting frontline that will overwhelm opponents, keep defenders guessing.
It would be a mistake to enter the new season with Nunez still inserted as Liverpool’s leading striker. Oh, he’s well-liked and at times a chaotic bundle of energy, but Slot must be ruthless if he’s to defend his Premier League title, with rivals only strengthening this summer. Gyokeres is evidence of that.
Luckily, Liverpool’s head coach has had no problem making a tough call for the greater good of his team thus far.
Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger
Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025