Liverpool manager Arne Slot has clarified that Victor Osimhen was never a genuine transfer target for the club, despite persistent speculation linking the Nigerian striker with a move to Anfield over the summer.
The Reds strengthened their attack by signing Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, after concerns over Darwin Núñez’s drop in form. Osimhen, then at Napoli, was widely tipped for a Premier League switch, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United also monitoring his situation.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray, Slot insisted Liverpool’s recruitment plan focused solely on Ekitike and Isak.
“How should I say this in the right way in English… Because of an enormous tragedy that happened with Diogo Jota in the end, we had to bring in two number nines,” Slot explained.
“We always thought we were going to replace Darwin Núñez, but in the end, we had to bring in two number nines. We are always looking for very good players, but it was always clear to us from the start that we wanted to bring in these two (Ekitike and Isak) if we needed to.”
Osimhen, 26, ultimately rejoined Galatasaray on a permanent deal after an explosive loan spell in Istanbul, scoring 39 goals in 45 games for the Turkish champions. He remains their key threat as Liverpool visit Rams Park, though Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has hinted the striker is not yet fully fit, having played just five minutes in their weekend win over Alanyaspor.
While Osimhen is expected to feature, a full 90-minute outing appears unlikely—a potential boost for Liverpool as they begin their European campaign.
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