Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that Victor Osimhen was never a serious transfer target for the club, despite widespread reports linking the Nigerian striker with a move to Anfield.

The Reds signed two centre-forwards this summer, bringing in Hugo Ekitike and then Alexander Isak, as they looked to bolster their striking options after seeing Darwin Nunez’s output drop off dramatically.

There were plenty of options on the market, as the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United also looked to bring in new strikers. Although he did not end up joining any of them, the then-Napoli striker Osimhen was heavily linked with each English club, including Liverpool.

However, ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with Galatasaray on Tuesday (today), Slot was asked whether Osimhen was ever a serious candidate to be signed.

When questioned directly during his pre-match press conference on Monday, Slot claimed the Reds only ever had eyes for Ekitike and Isak.

“How should I say this in the right way in English… Because of an enormous tragedy that happened with Diogo Jota in the end, we had to bring in two number nines,” the Liverpool head coach said.

“We always thought we were going to replace Darwin Nunez, but in the end, we had to bring in two number nines. We are always looking for very good players, but it was always clear to us from the start that we wanted to bring in these two (Ekitike and Isak) if we needed to.”

Osimhen ultimately rejoined Galatasaray on a permanent basis after spending the 2024/25 season in Istanbul. The 26-year-old has 39 goals in just 45 games for the Turkish champions and would have been an interesting signing for Liverpool.

Galatasaray will not be an easy prospect for Liverpool on Tuesday. The Turkish champions can be a match for anyone when boasting home advantage, and Osimhen will be the biggest threat for Slot’s team to nullify at Rams Park.

Perhaps luckily for the Reds, though, they may not have to face the former Napoli man at his very best. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has suggested that Osimhen is not completely fit to face Liverpool after playing for only five minutes during their weekend win over Alanyaspor on his injury return.

It seems very likely that the Nigeria international will play at least some part, but a full 90 minutes should not be expected.