Former Liverpool forward El-Hadji Diouf has praised his former club, calling them a “great team,” while commenting on the potential transfer of Victor Osimhen to Anfield.
Osimhen, 26, is widely expected to depart Napoli this summer and has been loosely linked with a move to Liverpool. He is seen as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, who may head in the opposite direction.
Liverpool are reportedly open to signing a new striker if Nunez departs after three inconsistent seasons on Merseyside. Alexander Isak is believed to be their ideal target, though signing him would likely require the club to break the British transfer record—something they already did earlier this summer to secure Florian Wirtz.
However, TEAMtalk has reported that Liverpool have now turned their attention to Osimhen, who could be available for a significantly lower fee. Talks have allegedly begun between Liverpool and Napoli, with a potential swap deal involving Nunez and/or Federico Chiesa being discussed.
Diouf is confident Osimhen would thrive at Liverpool. Speaking to Africa Foot, he said, “If Liverpool are this interested in him, it’s because they believe he can succeed at a top Premier League side—the best league in the world.”
He highlighted Osimhen’s proven track record in multiple European leagues, noting his scoring success in Italy, Turkey, and France with Lille.
Diouf was less enthusiastic about other options. “I’m not convinced by Chelsea’s sporting project,” he said, and although Manchester United remains a big name, their lack of Champions League football makes them a less attractive destination for a player like Osimhen.
Osimhen is reportedly keen to join a Champions League-contending club and is open to joining Liverpool. However, his high wage expectations could complicate any deal. He currently earns around $11.5 million net at Napoli, with a gross salary approaching double that figure.
At Liverpool, the top earners are Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both making over $25 million annually. Recent signing Florian Wirtz became the club’s third highest-paid player, with an annual gross salary of around $14 million, including bonuses.
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