Liverpool were eyeing an ambitious double-hit for Napoli strikers Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia next summer.
The Truth: Exceptional Talent
Both players are exceptional talents in a Napoli side which are unbeaten in their first 14 games in Serie A and sit comfortably at the top of the table.
They also topped Liverpool’s Champions League group, with Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia playing roles in their 4-1 win over the Reds in Napoli two months ago.
The Nigerian striker earned himself a penalty in the first half, despite missing it, and some Liverpool fans would have been relieved to see him pick up the injury after Napoli took a 3-0 lead in first half. Meanwhile, the Georgian winger picked up an assist and was also a general threat on the Azzurri frontline (SofaScore).
The latest: interest from Liverpool
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have been “watching” both Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia, and Napoli are reportedly considering selling the pair for around €100m each this summer, or €200m ($175m). pounds) in total.
However, they will face competition from arch-rivals Manchester United for their signings, as well as current Champions League holders and their next competition opponents Real Madrid.
Verdict: highly unlikely
Signing even one from Osimhen or Kvaratskhelia, let alone both, seems highly unlikely for Jurgen Klopp’s side at the moment.
Napoli are flying in the Champions League and top of Serie A, while the Merseyside club are outside the Premier League’s top four ahead of the World Cup break in Qatar.
Prior to today’s clash against Udinese, the Napoli pair had amassed no less than 14 goals and seven assists between them in Serie A, while also sharing six Champions League goal contributions (WhoScored). They are only 21 and 23 respectively, so their potential is scary.
Where Liverpool are at the moment in relation to Napoli, they are likely to find it very difficult to secure a deal for Osimhen or Kvaratskhelia.
