Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with a $164m signing, while there are also rumors of Saudi interest in Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool have much higher priorities than signing a new striker this summer, having signed Darwin Núñez from Benfica last summer and then Cody Gakpo from PSV in January.
But that doesn’t mean rumors go everywhere. Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reported in recent days that Juventus striker Federico Chiesa is of interest for Liverpool and an initial offer of around $44m for the winger could soon be made.
Now another Serie A big has been named in reference to Liverpool, even if it seems even less likely given the sums at stake.
In any case, with five senior forwards (and Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota hopefully able to keep fit for next season) unless there is a surprise departure, the Liverpool squad look reasonably well supplied in the offensive areas.
There’s also emerging Ben Doak to think about when it comes to not blocking the pass for younger players, with Liverpool having to make room for the Scotland international and others to leave.
Here’s Liverpool.com’s verdict on the transfer gossip emerging around the Reds today, starting with links to African Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and ending with a look at speculation about Mohamed Salah and a money transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Vittorio Osimhen (Naples)
Liverpool have been named as one of several clubs who could sign Osimhen from Napoli this summer, with Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reporting that Manchester United, Chelsea and the Reds all have fixtures scheduled with the Nigerian.
Osimhen is said to make a permanent move this summer and the “intentions” of the three clubs are expected to be determined next week, with Gianluca di Marzio reporting Napoli will have offers worth $164m (£129m/€150m) for the player request.
Liverpool.com says: A striker is not a priority for Liverpool this summer and at $164m the Reds will not be an option for Osimhen.
The player is world class but Liverpool need more midfielders and a defender. Spending that kind of money is simply unrealistic, even though the 24-year-old is a huge talent.
Mohamed Salah in Saudi Arabia?
A move from Liverpool is not on the agenda for Mohamed Salah. As The Guardian points out, “no specific club in Saudi Arabia has been linked to this potential move, but it doesn’t matter if there’s a lot of money involved.”
Nearly all players in Europe will be linked to a move to the region as Saudi officials pour money, with Rúben Neves proving it’s not just the over-30s who can make the switch if the amount of money on offer is large enough.
As Football Insider says, Salah will stay at Anfield. There’s another Mohamed Salah who has just signed for a Saudi club (which has caused some confusion among some of his new teammates, as we’ve discussed here), but Liverpool’s version is going nowhere .
“We hope Bernardo Silva will come from Manchester City,” Saudi Pro League official Hafez Al-Medlej said this week. “We must also start with the signing of Mohamed Salah because he is extremely popular in the Arab world and in Europe.”
“I think Salah hasn’t broken any records with Liverpool yet, so if he doesn’t come now, hopefully he does in the future.”
Liverpool.com says: Salah still has a long way to go at Liverpool. His new contract means he’s already earning a lot of money and although Saudi Arabia could be an option later on, the Egyptian won’t be leaving Anfield anytime soon.
