Istanbul, September 30, 2025 – Victor Osimhen Drops Liverpool Transfer Bombshell Ahead of Galatasaray Clash
On the eve of Galatasaray’s Champions League showdown with Liverpool at RAMS Park, Victor Osimhen has lit up the headlines with a stunning revelation. The Nigerian striker, currently on loan at the Turkish champions from Napoli, admitted he turned down a move to Anfield last summer after being put off by the “selfish” style of one Liverpool attacker.
Speaking to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the 26-year-old explained:
“Liverpool came for me last summer, and I was genuinely excited by their history, the supporters, and their style. They raised their bid more than once and even considered including Darwin Núñez in a swap. But one player in their attack put me off completely—he’s selfish, doesn’t share the ball, and kills the rhythm. I didn’t want to step into a squad where one man’s ego dictates everything.”
A Near-Miss Transfer
Insiders confirm Liverpool’s pursuit of Osimhen was aggressive. Under new boss Arne Slot, the Reds identified him as their long-term No. 9, especially with Núñez’s inconsistency and reported Saudi interest. At one stage in January, the deal was believed to be within 24 hours of completion, only for Napoli’s financial issues to stall it. By summer, Liverpool had reportedly tabled an offer worth €75 million plus add-ons, but Osimhen’s concerns over tactics saw negotiations collapse.
Though Osimhen stopped short of naming names, sources close to the talks suggest Núñez was the subject of his criticism. Clips of Liverpool’s matches against Arsenal and Manchester City allegedly shaped Osimhen’s view, with Núñez accused of wasteful finishing and ignoring teammates in promising positions.
Osimhen’s Sharp Words
The forward even linked his frustrations to Liverpool’s shock 2-1 loss to Fulham last weekend:
“That defeat? It’s on him. Selfish plays in the box, no link-up, no teamwork. Liverpool have so much talent, but one bad apple spoils the rest. I told my agent straight—I wasn’t walking into that mess.”
Fans quickly echoed Osimhen’s remarks, with one viral post declaring, “Osimhen dodged a bullet – Núñez is a liability.”
Galatasaray Glory, Premier League Dreams
Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has flourished, netting 22 goals in 28 matches and firing the club to a domestic double. Still, he admits his ambitions lie in England.
“Liverpool was close, but not with that energy,” he said. “Arsenal or Chelsea? That’s more like it. I want to play in a team built on collective effort.”
Napoli remain open to selling Osimhen, who has a €75 million release clause, though his €12 million-a-year wage demands may complicate matters.
Liverpool’s Response
For Liverpool, the timing is ironic. They face Osimhen tonight, while Núñez—now at the center of scrutiny—has been dropped from the starting XI. Slot, however, downplayed regrets over missing out on the Nigerian, pointing instead to his big-money signings Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
“Victor is a top striker,” Slot said pre-match. “But football is about fit, and we’re happy with the balance we have.”
Yet with Núñez’s future uncertain and fan debate intensifying, Osimhen’s explosive comments threaten to ignite deeper questions inside the Liverpool camp. And as kickoff approaches in Istanbul, the striker who snubbed Anfield may get the perfect chance to underline exactly what they’re missing.
