Just hours before Liverpool’s crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray at RAMS Park, Victor Osimhen has sent shockwaves through Anfield with a revelation that could ignite major debate among supporters.
The Nigerian forward, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, revealed that he rejected the chance to join Liverpool last summer—despite a strong push from the club—because of what he described as the “selfish and damaging” approach of one of their strikers.
“Liverpool did everything to get me,” Osimhen admitted in an interview with *Fanatik*. “The history, the passion, the energy of Anfield—it was all very attractive. They even came back with improved offers and were prepared to include Darwin Núñez in the negotiations. But after studying their games, I saw something that concerned me. One attacker refuses to share the ball, puts himself ahead of the team, and disrupts the flow. I wasn’t willing to walk into a dressing room ruled by ego.”
Liverpool, now managed by Arne Slot, had identified Osimhen as their ideal striker target during the summer transfer window, with Núñez’s inconsistent finishing and links to a move to Saudi Arabia creating pressure to reinforce the front line. Negotiations with Napoli came close to completion in January but collapsed over financial disagreements. By the summer, Liverpool raised their bid to €75 million plus bonuses, yet Osimhen’s side ultimately pulled out, citing concerns about “tactical chemistry.”
Though Osimhen did not explicitly name the player in question, reports from inside the club point directly at Núñez. The Uruguayan striker has come under fire for rash decision-making in front of goal, wasting chances and ignoring teammates in better positions. One source revealed that Osimhen closely studied Liverpool’s games against Arsenal and Manchester City and was unimpressed by Núñez’s decision-making, describing it as destructive to team play.
The Nigerian international didn’t stop there. Reflecting on Liverpool’s recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham, he openly blamed the unnamed striker for the loss. “That result was down to him,” Osimhen claimed. “Bad choices in key moments cost them the game. Liverpool has so much talent, but it only takes one selfish player to ruin the chemistry. I told my agent: this isn’t the environment I want.”
Since moving to Turkey, Osimhen has excelled, hitting 22 goals in 28 appearances and guiding Galatasaray to a domestic double. Still, he insists the Premier League dream is alive—just not at Liverpool for now. “I still want to test myself in England. Arsenal or Chelsea? Why not? But I want a team that plays collectively,” he added.
Napoli, aware of growing interest, are prepared to sell Osimhen, who has a release clause of €75 million. His €12 million salary, however, could pose challenges for potential suitors. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s focus has shifted, with Slot opting to recruit Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike instead. Ahead of tonight’s showdown, Slot commented: “Victor is a fantastic striker, but football is about the right fit.”
With Núñez benched and frustration mounting among Liverpool fans, Osimhen’s explosive words leave a cloud hanging over Anfield. The irony is striking—tonight, the forward they almost signed could be the one to deepen their woes on the pitch, while his criticism sparks internal unrest behind the scenes.
