Transfers

Liverpool join race to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly sent scouts to watch Victor Osimhen ahead of a potential transfer.

The Napoli and Nigeria star, who has previously been linked to Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, was in Portugal on international duty for friendlies against both Saudi Arabia and Mozambique – starting the first game in the Algarve before being rested due to a muscle complaint.

Osimhen, who didn’t score in the draw with Saudi Arabia, has faced concerns at Napoli since firing them to Serie A glory with 26 league goals last season. which could boost Liverpool’s chances of signing him.

The Sun report that Klopp sent one of his ‘network’ to watch the 24-year-old in action despite already knowing of his ‘brilliance’.

Osimhen has added to his tally of 31 goals last season with six across eight games in Serie A under new boss Rudi Garcia this time out.

However, the duo are not seeing eye-to-eye according to the report, despite the forward expressing his love for the people and city of Naples after the TikTok controversy.

Back in September, the former Lille man removed all traces of Napoli from his Instagram feed while he was reportedly considering legal action.

Osimhen was mocked in a viral trend on the official club TikTok after missing a penalty against Bologna.

The trend involved an edited high-pitch voice calling for a penalty to be given with the caption ‘gimme penalty, please, while showing a clip of Osimhen’s claims, ending as he fired wide of the target – to the confusion of fans and fury of the striker.

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.