JUST IN: Victor Osimhen Sends Strong Message To Liverpool Ahead Of UCL Draw
Victor Osimhen has opened up on Galatasaray’s potential opponents in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, admitting that a clash with Liverpool would carry extra meaning.
With Galatasaray through to the knockout stages after their dramatic play-off triumph over Juventus, attention has shifted to Friday’s draw and the calibre of teams awaiting the Turkish champions. Among the possible opponents are Liverpool and Tottenham, two Premier League sides capable of testing any Champions League side.
Osimhen, however, made it clear that while Galatasaray are ready for anyone, there are certain ties he would rather avoid.
“I mean to be honest with you, meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge,” the Nigerian striker said in an interview with CBS Sports.
“Anyone we meet now… I wouldn’t say much but I would like to escape Liverpool. But if they come, yeah, we’re going to dig it out but it’s not going to be easy.”
Galatasaray have already faced Liverpool in this season’s competition, claiming a narrow 1-0 win during the league phase in Istanbul. Osimhen scored the decisive goal that night, yet he knows a trip to Anfield would represent a completely different challenge.
Despite hinting at a preference to sidestep the Merseyside club, the 27-year-old stressed that there are no straightforward routes at this stage of the competition.
Osimhen said, “I mean this is the Champions League, no team is easy, we can see how flying Bodo/Glimt are really doing in this tournament. If you want to win you also have to play the big dogs and make a statement for yourself. We’ve met Liverpool but we haven’t played at Anfield. If we meet them it’s going to be an amazing game. I think we’re up to the task, it’s not going to be easy, of course, but we have fight in us.”
Note that the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 27.
