Napoli have stepped up their pursuit of Darwin Núñez, submitting a formal bid to Liverpool worth €50 million plus €5 million in bonuses.
The Italian side is eager to secure a new striker this summer under manager Antonio Conte, and Núñez is reportedly a key target. Alongside their move for the Uruguayan, Napoli are also holding talks with Udinese for a cheaper option in Lorenzo Lucca, with an offer in the region of €33–34 million ($38M-39M) plus add-ons on the table.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the offer presents a major decision point. Núñez, signed in 2022 for a potential €100 million package from Benfica, has had a mixed spell at Anfield. While he has shown flashes of brilliance and contributed in key moments, inconsistency and a lack of composure in front of goal have prevented him from fully settling into the squad. Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool may view this summer as an opportunity to reset, and with Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez already pushing Liverpool’s spending past $200 million, the club will be keen to recoup funds soon.
While Napoli’s bid is substantial, it still falls short of Liverpool’s expected valuation. Reports from Corriere dello Sport suggest the Reds are holding out for at least €60–70 million ($70M-82M) to part with the 25-year-old, and they remain in no rush to sell unless the offer meets their terms.
Slot and the recruitment team are believed to be open to a sale if it helps fund moves for players like Viktor Gyökeres or Hugo Ekitike, who are seen as more tactically suited to the new system.
Darwin Núñez, for his part, is reportedly open to a move abroad and views Napoli as an attractive destination. He is said to have spoken positively about the project in Italy, and former teammate Walter Gargano has hinted that Núñez is “waiting to close with Napoli.”
However, Napoli are cautious about exceeding their financial limits, particularly with Lucca available for nearly half the price.
The Italian club’s dual approach puts pressure on Liverpool. If Napoli feel priced out of Núñez, they may quickly pivot to Lucca, ending negotiations with the Reds.
That leaves Liverpool with a choice: accept the current bid and accelerate their own transfer business, or risk holding out for more and potentially losing their best suitor.
With pre-season fast approaching, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy hinges on clarity around Núñez’s future.
A sale could inject vital funds into the club’s summer plans, allowing them to reinforce both up front and in other key areas.
But unless Napoli increase their offer or include favorable bonus clauses, Liverpool may hold firm — betting that a better offer, either this window or in January, will come.
As it stands, the decision rests with Anfield leadership.
Whether Núñez remains part of Arne Slot’s vision or becomes the financial key to a broader rebuild could shape Liverpool’s trajectory for the 2025-26 season.