Reliable journalist Chris Bascombe claims Liverpool are believed to be holding out for as much as £70m for striker Darwin Nunez this summer.
The Uruguayan feels highly likely to leave the Reds before next season gets underway, following a patchy three years at Anfield.
Huge things were expected of Nunez when he joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022, but he hasn’t performed consistently enough, with some of his finishing leaving a lot to be desired.
According to The Telegraph‘s Bascombe, and Mike McGrath, Napoli are now “preparing an official bid” for the 26-year-old, seeing him as their No.1 pick to lead the line.
Nunez “would be expected to cost around £70m” this summer, as Liverpool try and recoup as much of the £85m they paid for him as possible.
On X, Fabrizio Romano has reported similar, although he states that the Reds may not receive as much as they are hoping for above:
“Negotiations continue between Napoli and Liverpool for Darwin Nunez. Initial request in excess of €65m but Napoli are trying to work on deal structure and feasibility of the whole package. Nunez wants the move, as reported last week. Personal terms being discussed.”
The right time to say goodbye
Nunez has had plenty of admirers over the past three seasons, not least because of his likeable personality and effort levels, but few Liverpool supporters are now desperate to see him remain at the club.
It is the right time for the Uruguay international to move on, even though Ally McCoist lauded his assist for Harvey Elliot away to Paris Saint-Germain, saying:
“Unbelievable football from Darwin Nunez, because nine times out of ten he hits this. He doesn’t, he takes the right option. Watch Nunez, usually he pulls the trigger there, it looks a simple pass and it is but it’s there to hit first time, that’s the secret of it.”
The simple fact is that Nunez hasn’t matured nearly enough as an all-round footballer, with Arne Slot using him sporadically in his first season in charge at Anfield, and a far better attacker is needed to replace him this summer.