“He is not joining Liverpool in January” — Fabrizio Romano

Italian Sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano clarifies the rumor surrounding a potential Liverpool January signing amidst speculations that Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen could be on the move from the Serie A.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool‘s pursuit of the Super Eagles forward has hit a stumbling block, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Osimhen has been the subject of transfer speculation after a controversial incident involving his club Napoli.

The controversy began when Napoli posted an edited video on TikTok that seemingly mocked Osimhen after he missed a penalty in a 0-0 draw against Bologna.

In response, Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, expressed his client’s dissatisfaction and even mentioned the possibility of legal action against the club.

Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli is set to expire in 2025, but he has yet to sign an extension. Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis hinted that Osimhen might not necessarily commit to a new deal.

Speculation regarding Osimhen’s future intensified when Italian journalist Valter Di Maggio reported Liverpool’s interest in signing the Nigerian striker next summer.

Di Maggio even suggested that an agreement had been reached between Osimhen, his agent, and Liverpool, which made Osimhen reconsider his future in Italy.

However, the major hurdle in Liverpool’s pursuit of Osimhen remains the transfer fee demanded by Napoli. De Laurentiis is reportedly seeking a substantial €170 million for the prized striker’s services this summer.

To fund such a move, Liverpool might have to consider selling one of their key assets, Mohamed Salah, potentially making Osimhen a replacement option if Salah expresses a desire to leave next summer.

In an update on the situation, Fabrizio Romano has provided a more cautious perspective.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano revealed,

“From what I’m told, Victor Osimhen hasn’t agreed anything with any club – not even Napoli. There’s no agreement on the contract extension.”

Napoli has reportedly made a lucrative contract proposal to Osimhen, offering a substantial salary, which would be the largest in the club’s history. However, Osimhen has not made a final decision regarding his future.

Romano dispelled reports of an agreement with Liverpool, but he did offer a glimmer of hope for Liverpool supporters, stating,

“For sure, Liverpool and many other clubs are keeping an eye on the situation of many strikers. But at the moment for Osimhen, nothing is agreed and nothing is decided.”