In 2022, Liverpool broke the transfer record for Darwinnes, the talented, robust centre forward who made his name for Benfica.
He scored 34 goals in 41 games in 2021/22 and had a trap of an apparently elite-level striker. Jurgen Klopp was convinced after firing three goals against Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the early years of his term, then facing the Reds in the Champions League knockout stage.
We are now three years from Klopp’s decision to agree to a deal worth £85 million for the Uruguiron Ace. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Nunes is scheduled to be sold this summer after the winter trip to Al Nassl fell midway.
It’s important that FSG makes it right this summer and choose the perfect successor. The fan’s lips are named Alexander Isaac, but that may not be worth pursuing.
Why Liverpool shouldn’t sign Alexander Isaac
Arne Slot has worked incredible this season, moving mercilessly towards the Premier League titles, including Arsenal and four-person champion Manchester City.
Since signing Ryan Gravenberch in August 2023, Federico Chiesa has been responsible for the testimony of the team Klopp has gathered over the years, as well as the will of the team whipping more finely.
But the summer is expected to be big, with the athletic confirming Liverpool’s interest in Isaac, who was praised by Jamie Carrager as “the best striker in the Premier League.”
Obviously, he’s fine with a rank, but Newcastle was very familiar with their charm talent and slapped a transfer fee of £150 million on his name.
If Magpies aren’t caught up in that valuation this summer, Liverpool should not get close to trading. There are other options available, which run out of resources at critical times.
This may seem a bit practical, but Liverpool’s structure is firmly rooted in realism and has been paid dividends over the years.
See, for example, the decision to end Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Jude Bellingham in April 2023, signing the range of talented midfielders instead, and cramming Anfield’s midfield.
These midfielders are of course to win the Premier League after lifting the Carabao Cup last year.
Liverpool needs a new number 9. Fortunately, Isaac is not the only elite marksmen on the market.
Liverpool is chasing the top striker
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool has put together a list of candidates for strikers, including Isaac, to replace Nunes this summer, and fans may be interested to note that Victor Osimhen is on the club’s radar.
Athletic, powerful and deadly in front of the goal, the Napoli Forward, loaned out at Galatasaray, is expected to leave Napoli at the end of the season after relations broke and prompted him to move to Turkey temporarily.
Last year, Napoli demanded a £100 million north fee for the Nigerian striker, but as he approaches the final year of the deal, hope softens, suggesting that the 26-year-old will be available for £63 million.
Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimchen
First, Liverpool should consider signing Osimen. Because he is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers and has the perfect profile to thrive in the Premier League.
While his career in Naples may have ended unexpectedly, Osimhen was the driving force behind the club’s incredible Scudetto success in 2022/23, scoring 31 goals from 39 matches in all competitions.
Last season was one of the frustration for the Nigerians, and the injury issue exacerbated the dramatic decline of the Serie A champions.
However, he has returned to his goal with Galatasaray, and has actually proven to be one of the most powerful centers in Europe.
Standing at 6 feet 1, Osimhen has the power to lead Liverpool’s line in the Premier League, bringing the presence of a strong focus to bring goals and strengthen the performance of those around him.
According to FBREF, he ranks in goals, top 8% of shot-making actions, top 1% of attack penalty areas, top 1% of shots taken, and top 7% of air duels per 90 ranks in top 10% of European strikers, top 8% and top 7% of 90 players.
It is a great expression of his quality and is very active in the striker’s place. Comparing him to Nunes, we can see why Liverpool is raising their interest as his volatile and enigmatic style has isolated him in the Premier League.
Victor Osimhen vs Darwin Nunes (24/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (*per game) | Oshimen | Nuness |
Match (start) | 22 (20) | 24 (8) |
the goal | 20 | 5 |
assist | 4 | 2 |
Shot (target)* | 4.5 (1.8) | 1.3 (0.2) |
I missed a big opportunity | 17 | 6 |
Key Pass* | 1.1 | 0.4 |
dribble* | 0 5 | 0.3 |
The duel won* | 5.3 | 2.3 |
Statistics via Sofascore | ||
Needless to say, Osimhen is more clinical than Nunez, but his goalscoring quality is built on a dynamic, intense skill set that BBC journalist Alex Brotherton praises him as “unstopping.”
His creative sparks – creating 10 big opportunities in the Turkish super rig is something that can be upset when the slots and Liverpool chiefs devise a transfer strategy.
Of course, Osimhen was not limited to domestic success this term. A prolific burst in the Europa League has led to an overall tally of 28 goals from 32 games this season, dismantling Tottenham Hotspur, particularly in the group stage.
This, if you refer back to the “scoring” graphic above, put him in front of Isaac, really highlighting how prolific Liverpool is.
If Nunes is on sale, this guy marks an important upgrade. It can make a big difference in keeping the frontline firing next year while Liverpool chasing more success under the wing of the slot.
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