Ben Jacobs: Liverpool have dropped out of the race for £17m forward

“Liverpool also tracked Osario as a teenager but are not an active suitor now.

“Midtjylland will not stand in Osorio’s way even though he only signed a new four-year contract in January, but suitors know bids of €20m+ will be required for the Danish club to sanction a sale.”

That update places Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Everton ahead of Liverpool in the current picture.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah Succession Plan Remains Crucial

Liverpool cannot replace Salah like for like. His output, durability and influence across multiple trophy winning seasons made him one of the club’s defining modern players.

Slot’s task is different. Liverpool need a forward who fits the next version of his side, offering pace, decision making, pressing intelligence and end product. Osorio, valued at around €20m plus, may have appealed as a younger, lower cost option, but the club’s recruitment focus now appears to be elsewhere.

Names such as Anthony Gordon, Bazoumana Toure and Yan Diomande have also been linked, underlining Liverpool’s search for attacking variety and long term upside.

Liverpool Must Move Decisively

This summer carries added weight because 2026-27 will be Liverpool’s first season without Salah. After winning the Premier League in 2024/25, Slot’s standards are already clear, but replacing an elite forward is among the hardest tasks in football.

For now, Ben Jacobs’ update suggests Dario Osorio should not be viewed as a live Liverpool target. The wider hunt continues, and Hughes must ensure the club act with clarity before the market moves away from them.