{"id":14182,"date":"2025-04-12T16:22:19","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T16:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/14182\/"},"modified":"2025-04-12T16:22:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T16:22:19","slug":"liverpool-were-24-hours-away-from-signing-60m-forward-in-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/14182\/","title":{"rendered":"Liverpool Were 24 Hours Away from Signing \u00a360m Forward in January"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Join<\/a><\/p>\n

In a world of transfer rumours where smoke rarely leads to fire, the latest revelation about Victor Osimhen and Liverpool feels different \u2013 not least because it comes with names, numbers, and nearly-signed contracts. As revealed by Dave Davis on the Anfield Index podcast, Osimhen\u00a0 \u201cwas 24 hours from being a Liverpool player\u201d in January.<\/p>\n

And yet, here we are in April, with Osimhen currently on loan at Galatasaray, Darwin N\u00fa\u00f1ez still in red, and a lingering feeling that something big nearly happened.<\/p>\n

So, what went wrong? And more crucially, why might it still happen?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Loyalty Payments, Not Wages, Scuppered the Deal<\/p>\n

One of the standout moments from the podcast is Davis\u2019 clarity on why the deal collapsed. \u201cThe only thing that stopped it was the fact that he couldn\u2019t sort out the loyalty payments that Napoli owed him.\u201d It\u2019s a rare case where the obstacle wasn\u2019t wage demands, agents, or club refusal \u2014 but internal financial wrangling within Napoli. That makes this a classic \u201cnearly\u201d scenario, but one that could be revived.<\/p>\n

Contrary to widespread assumptions, Osimhen\u2019s wage demands weren\u2019t the issue either. Davis is clear: \u201cThere was a lot of talk over his wages being \u00a3500,000-per-week but it wasn\u2019t that. It was well within our wage structure.\u201d That\u2019s a significant revelation when evaluating Liverpool\u2019s transfer strategy under Arne Slot, who\u2019s known to prefer pragmatism and balance over superstar indulgence.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo: IMAGO
\nDarwin N\u00fa\u00f1ez Was Ready to Leave<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most eye-opening detail, though, was about Darwin N\u00fa\u00f1ez. According to Davis: \u201cDarwin Nunez missed the PSV game in the Champions League because he was finalising a deal with Saudi because Osimhen was coming in.\u201d<\/p>\n

That statement alone deserves pause. Al-Nassr were reportedly ready to pay \u00a370 million for N\u00fa\u00f1ez, who wasn\u2019t missing the game due to illness, but because \u201che was supposed to leave.\u201d It paints a radically different picture of Liverpool\u2019s January strategy: a bold, aggressive move to refresh the front line in a manner few could have anticipated.<\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t just a rumoured flirtation with Osimhen \u2013 it was a near-deal, so close to completion that Liverpool\u2019s squad planning had already started to pivot.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo: IMAGO
\nWhy a Summer Move Still Makes Sense<\/p>\n

With the summer window approaching, Davis\u2019 words carry weight: \u201cSo, if he was 24 hours away from becoming a Liverpool player in January, then how can we rule it out this summer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Osimhen\u2019s situation has only grown more precarious. With a year left on his Napoli contract and both parties seemingly eager to part ways, the price could be significantly lower. Davis makes the point compellingly: \u201cIf Alexander Isak is going to cost \u00a3120million, then would you not rather look at someone like Osimhen for around \u00a360million?\u201d<\/p>\n

Osimhen is a known quantity. A proven, elite striker with the physicality and movement that Slot\u2019s high-tempo style thrives on. While questions remain over Darwin\u2019s consistency, Osimhen\u2019s goal record speaks for itself. He may not be Arne Slot\u2019s first signing at Liverpool, but he could be the one who defines his first full season.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo: IMAGO
\nVerdict: Don\u2019t Rule It Out<\/p>\n

As Davis himself said: \u201cAll of this stuff comes out eventually. I wouldn\u2019t be saying it if I hadn\u2019t verified it multiple times.\u201d That kind of journalistic conviction adds weight to what might otherwise be dismissed as off-season chatter.<\/p>\n

With Liverpool potentially entering a new era under Arne Slot, a striker like Osimhen would send a powerful message: that this club, despite Klopp\u2019s departure, is still aiming for the very top.<\/p>\n

And if we were only 24 hours away in January? The clock may start ticking again soon.<\/p>\n

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