Report: Liverpool were keen on Victor Osimhen before transfer hit snag

Liverpool's interest reportedly emerged due to Osimhen's strained relationship with Napoli's new manager, Antonio Conte, which saw the forward temporarily frozen out of the first team.

Osimhen, who played a pivotal role in securing Napoli's first Serie A title in 33 years, was eager to leave the club.

The 24-year-old has been prolific for Napoli, netting 76 goals and providing 18 assists in 133 appearances.

However, his substantial salary demands proved to be a significant hurdle in negotiations.

Liverpool, already focused on strengthening other positions and with strikers Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez in their ranks, found Osimhen's wage requirements incompatible with their new salary cap structure.

The Italian press suggested that Liverpool's recruitment strategy and the salary cap led to a fading interest in Osimhen.

As a result, the deal never materialised, with Liverpool instead signing Federico Chiesa from Juventus and securing a future deal for Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Meanwhile, Osimhen's proposed move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli also collapsed after Napoli raised their asking price, leading Al-Ahli to sign Brentford's Ivan Toney as an alternative.