El Hadji Diouf makes Victor Osimhen Liverpool transfer plea as new partnership proposed

Victor Osimhen

It may be less than a month old, but Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible start to the transfer window.

They have certainly shown they are not willing to rest on their laurels after being crowned Premier League champions.

Liverpool have committed to paying £217m to enhance Arne Slot's title-winning squad.

Leading the way is the mercurial attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who could eventually end up costing a British transfer record fee of £116m.

Joining him from Bayer Leverkusen is the £29m Jeremie Frimpong, fellow full-back Milos Kerkez, who has cost £40m, as well as two goalkeepers, the £29m Giorgi Mamardashviliand the £3m Armin Pecsi.

while the focus will now turn to outgoings, with Jarell Quansah set to join Leverkusen for £35m and follow Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Nat Phillips out of the Anfield exit door, the Reds are not done yet in terms of incomings.

A centre-back of a younger profile is being targeted to replace Quansah and while there is legitimate interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, Liverpool are insistent they won't be held to ransom over the fee for a player who is inside the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park.

A new striker could also be on the agenda if Darwin Nunez moves on. The Uruguayan is being heavily linked with Napoli.

However, there is a feeling that the Serie A champions will only make a formal approach after the future of Victor Osimhen is resolved.

The prolific Nigerian spent last season on loan with Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals in 41 games, and he has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

There has been no suggestion that there is anything in the speculation but one former Reds forward would like to see Osimhen sign for his old club.

El Hadji Diouf believes the 26-year-old could form a devastating partnership with Mohamed Salah.

And speaking to AfricaFoot, the Senegalese, who had an ill-fated stay on Merseyside at the turn of the century,

Diouf said:

"I think it would be the best choice for him from a sporting perspective. Liverpool will be competing in the Champions League.

"Their plan has been clear for years. They're a very big club, perfectly structured, with significant resources. At Liverpool, Osimhen could take on a huge sporting challenge and earn a very good living.

"I'm convinced it could work, that these two players (Osimhen and Salah) could complement each other. I'd like to see this duo come together.

"Mohamed Salah had an exceptional season, finishing as the Premier League's top scorer, and he played a big part in winning the title. Osimhen finished as the Turkish league's top scorer. “

“They are two footballers with different characteristics, but who could get along very well.”

"I remember the Mo Salah-Sadio Mane partnership, which worked very well. I think the Salah-Osimhen duo could do just as well!"

The Reds won't necessarily seek to recruit another centre-forward even if Nunez's leaves, with his lack of starts last season seen as a reason for why there will be no immediate panic to bring in someone to take his No.9 squad number.