It was viewed as a given by many heading into the summer that Darwin Nunez would be leaving Liverpool. While he won't be allowed to exit on the cheap, the Uruguayan is drawing interest, as expected.
In recent days, links with Antonio Conte's Napoli have been strongest. Others have been put forward as possible destinations for the 26-year-old, and a departure does appear to make sense.
After three full seasons at Liverpool following a big-money move from Benfica, Nunez has never quite ignited and found the kind of consistent form required from Arne Slot's number nine. Under the Dutchman, he fell down the pecking order.
According to the Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Napoli likes Nunez. However, the asking price at the moment is deemed as being steep, and the player's salary demands could also be too high.
As a result, Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca is another option. The report says that talks for him are at an advanced stage, and should Napoli get a deal over the line, that could be the end of its interest in Nunez.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia have also been linked with the Liverpool ace, while AC Milan is another option in Serie A that could be realistic. The Reds, though, will not be letting him depart for a low fee.
Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as an exit from Liverpool looks likely
Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as an exit from Liverpool looks likely (Image: Getty Images)
Napoli already has Romelu Lukaku, now 32, and the Belgian was in decent form last season, contributing 25 goals and assists combined. Nunez, though, would add depth and something different.
It feels likely that a move outside of the Premier League could suit him for a fresh start, too. Nunez has had his moments, most notably last season against Brentford where he scored twice late on, but has never been able to nail down a starting place.
In February, Slot criticized his work rate. And after that point in the season, he featured sporadically at best, going on a long goalless run.
"I wasn't only hard on him, but for the second time in a row I wasn't happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa," Slot said. "I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything.
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"That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That's why I addressed it.
"If you miss a chance, you need to be fighting for the team. I'm not saying he didn't do that at all, but it wasn't the usual Darwin, the one that is loved by the fans. That is mainly because he always works so hard."
In a league where the demands are slightly different, however, he could still thrive. It would be no shock to see him move back to Portugal and excel again, or do well in Spain or Italy.
The question, at this point, is who can afford to buy him. The answer might yet lie in the Saudi Pro League, but at his age, that would be a big call to make. In the next few weeks, his decision is likely to become clear.