Liverpool's attacking woes have reignited discussions about the future of striker Darwin Nunez, with former Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker proposing a bold solution: a swap deal involving two highly-rated Super Eagles forwards, Victor Osimhen and Boniface.
Nunez, signed from Benfica in 2022 for a hefty €85 million, has yet to fully justify his price tag. While he sits as Liverpool's second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 11 goals, his finishing has been under intense scrutiny. The 26 ‘big chances' he's missed in just 33 league outings underline his profligacy in front of goal, raising concerns about his suitability for the Reds' high-octane attacking style.
Reo-Coker, speaking on the issue, expressed his disappointment: “The chances that he is getting are not half chances,” he said, as reported by TBR. “They are creating it for him, and for the striker and the money that they paid for him, he needs to be taking those chances. He is not good enough.”
This lack of clinical finishing has prompted Reo-Coker to endorse the idea of exploring swap deals. He suggests Nunez could be part of a package to acquire a more prolific striker, specifically mentioning Nigerian forwards Osimhen and Boniface.
“If I was Liverpool, yes, you are going to lose [Mohamed] Salah, you can probably find a good enough replacement, but for me, it’s that goalscorer,” Reo-Coker continued. “Nunez, it’s either you give him another chance, or you try now to trade him with another club where you could maybe swap Nunez and bring in some top European strikers out there, whether that’s Victor Boniface, Osimhen, or [someone].”
Victor Osimhen, currently terrorizing defenses for Napoli in the Serie A, boasts an impressive record of 75 goals in 130 appearances. The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the hottest prospects in European football, attracting interest from top clubs like Chelsea, PSG, and Arsenal. His pace, power, and clinical finishing make him a potential dream fit for Liverpool's attacking system.
Boniface, on the other hand, represents a more intriguing option. The 23-year-old recently made a high-profile move to Bayer Leverkusen from Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has already made a significant impact, contributing 28 goals (18 goals, ten assists) in just 30 outings. This includes playing a key role in Leverkusen's historic first-ever Bundesliga title win, with the club also currently in contention for the Europa League and German Cup.
Boniface's stock is undoubtedly rising, and his performances have reportedly caught the eye of Napoli – a potential competitor for Liverpool in any potential transfer battle. Additionally, various Premier League sides are said to be monitoring his progress. However, having just settled into his new surroundings at Leverkusen, Boniface may prefer to stay and build on his early success in Germany.
The Akure born forward’s exploits in the first half of the season saw him linked with Arsenal. The one-time DFB-Pokal winners are unwilling to sell the striker, who is only in his first season with the club, but are open to discussions if a bid of around €55 million comes in for the former Union Saint-Gilloise striker.
Victor Osimhen also has been linked with a move away from Napoli, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as the likely destinations, as long as they can pay off his €120m release clause.
Challenges and considerations
While Reo-Coker's suggestion offers an interesting solution to Liverpool's attacking woes, there are challenges to consider. Firstly, convincing Napoli or Leverkusen to part ways with their star strikers, particularly Osimhen, won't be easy. Both clubs are likely to demand hefty transfer fees, potentially exceeding the value Nunez currently holds in the market.
Secondly, there's no guarantee that either Osimhen or Boniface would seamlessly adapt to the intensity and pressure of playing for a club like Liverpool. While their talent is undeniable, adjusting to a new team, league, and playing style can be a significant hurdle.
Dilemma: Persist or reinvent?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to persist with Nunez or explore alternative options rests with Liverpool’s manager. Klopp has a proven track record of developing players and maximizing their potential, but he is leaving at the end of the season . The new coach may choose to give Nunez more time and invest in coaching him to improve his finishing.
However, if Liverpool's struggles continue and the hunt for trophies intensifies, the coach of Liverpool may be forced to consider a more drastic solution. A swap deal involving Nunez, as suggested by Reo-Coker, could be a way to refresh the attack without breaking the bank. The question remains: would Osimhen or Boniface be the gamble worth taking?
The Rise of Nigerian Strikers
Regardless of Liverpool's decision, Reo-Coker's comments highlight the growing prominence of Nigerian strikers in European football. Both Osimhen and Boniface represent a new generation of attacking talent, not forgetting the likes of Gift Orban, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, and many more.
Nigerians Who Have Played for Liverpool
- Victor Moses (Loan): The 33-year-old joined Liverpool on loan from Chelsea during the 2013-14 season. He made 22 appearances and scored twice during his stint with the Reds.
- Taiwo Awoniyi: The Super Eagles striker signed permanently for Liverpool in 2015 from Imperial Academy in Nigeria. However, he never featured in an official match for the senior team. Instead, he spent his entire Liverpool contract period on loan spells at various clubs before leaving for FSV Mainz in 2019.
