Istanbul, September 30, 2025 – Just hours before tonight’s Champions League showdown between Galatasaray and Liverpool at RAMS Park, Victor Osimhen has ignited controversy with a stunning revelation that has left Anfield reeling.
The Nigerian striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, admitted he came close to sealing a blockbuster move to the Premier League last summer — only to walk away at the last moment because of what he described as one Liverpool player’s “selfish and damaging” style of play.
“Before Liverpool approached me, I studied their system and how their forwards operated,” Osimhen told Turkish outlet Fanatik. “The atmosphere, the history, the fans — everything looked perfect. They raised their offer more than once, even considering Darwin Núñez in a swap deal. But one attacker… he kills the flow. He keeps the ball too long, doesn’t support teammates, and I knew I wouldn’t thrive in that environment. I couldn’t join a team built around ego.”
Insiders confirm Liverpool were relentless in their pursuit, with new boss Arne Slot earmarking Osimhen as the marquee No. 9 to spearhead his attack. Negotiations nearly concluded in January before Napoli’s financial complications stalled talks. By summer, Liverpool’s bid had climbed to €75 million plus add-ons, but Osimhen’s camp vetoed the deal, citing tactical misfit.
Though Osimhen never named the player, sources close to the deal suggest he was referring to Núñez. The Uruguayan’s wastefulness and reluctance to pass in key moments have long frustrated supporters. “Victor watched their matches against Arsenal and City,” one source said. “He noticed Núñez taking low-percentage shots instead of feeding Salah or Díaz. That was enough to convince him this wasn’t the right move.”
Núñez, who cost Liverpool £85 million in 2022, has returned 38 goals in 118 games — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency. Slot has defended his striker’s work ethic, but has also admitted the squad lacks natural “facilitators” up front.
Osimhen sharpened the sting by tying Núñez’s perceived flaws to Liverpool’s shock 2-1 defeat against Fulham last weekend, which ended their perfect league start. “That loss? It was on him,” Osimhen claimed. “Bad decisions, no chemistry. Liverpool’s talent is world-class, but one selfish player ruins it. I told my agent: I won’t walk into that chaos.” Fulham’s winner, which came after Núñez lost possession on a reckless solo run, seemed to echo Osimhen’s point.
Online, fans have erupted. “Osimhen made the right call — Núñez is holding us back,” one viral post read, racking up over 12,000 likes.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has thrived in Turkey, scoring 22 goals in 28 appearances and firing Galatasaray to a domestic double. He remains open about a future Premier League move, naming Arsenal and Chelsea as possible destinations. Napoli, with a €75 million release clause in place, are willing sellers, but Osimhen’s wage demands — around €12 million annually — may prove a hurdle.
For Liverpool, tonight’s meeting feels like cruel fate. With Núñez benched amid mounting pressure and Slot instead relying on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, all eyes will be on Osimhen — the striker who slipped through their fingers and now threatens to punish them on Europe’s biggest stage.
