Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Darwin Nunez, with the Liverpool striker setting his ‘priority’ next move and with a new round of discussions close.
Liverpool are still coming to terms with the devastating loss of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva last week. Jota was driving to catch a ferry and return to Liverpool for the new season, having been told not to fly by doctors after undergoing minor surgery.
There has been an outpouring of love and support for Jota and Silva, with fans laying flowers, wreaths and shirts outside Anfield and Arne Slot saying their families will ‘never walk alone’.
Liverpool delayed the start of their pre-season training, though players are starting to return and regroup as they look to win more trophies in 2025-26 to honour Jota.
The Reds have postponed transfer talks in recent days to mourn Jota and Silva, though sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to re-enter the market this week as there are still signings and exits to be finalised.
Nunez is likely to be sold as he has failed to live up to his huge £85million price tag and has also failed to impress Slot.
It emerged on Tuesday that Liverpool have rejected a €55m (£47.5m / $64m) bid from Napoli for the Uruguayan striker.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Romano has given an update on Nunez’s departure from Anfield. He reports that Napoli are ‘set for [a] new round of talks for Nunez’ as Victor Osimhen edges closer to leaving.
Napoli are in pole position to sign Nunez, having made him their ‘dream target’ to replace Osimhen in the squad.
Nunez is ‘giving total priority to Napoli’ as he ‘wants’ the transfer and is ready to move to Italy.
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Liverpool want €65-70m for Darwin Nunez
Previous reports have suggested that Napoli and Liverpool held talks over a possible swap deal involving Nunez and Osimhen. But the latter is hoping to join Galatasaray permanently, meaning Nunez will have to move in a separate deal.
Romano has previously stated that Napoli will have to increase their €55m offer if they are to strike an agreement with Liverpool.
The Premier League champions want €65-70m (up to £60m / $82m) for Nunez, a price Napoli feel is too high. It remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached, but the two clubs are set for new negotiations to try and thrash out a deal.
Ian Graham, the former director of research at Liverpool, revealed recently that Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp opted to bring in Nunez over Alexander Isak three years ago.
Isak went on to join Newcastle United instead, and the decision has proven costly for Liverpool. They will likely lose money on Nunez and are keen on making Isak his replacement, but Newcastle want a gigantic fee of around £150m (€174m / $204m) to sell the Sweden ace.
Liverpool are holding talks over another exciting striker signing in the knowledge that Isak will be incredibly difficult to land.
Liverpool transfer news: Midfielder boost; Guehi battle
Meanwhile, a stylish midfielder has reportedly picked a Liverpool transfer over Manchester United.
Liverpool hope to sign Marc Guehi to bolster their centre-back ranks after selling Jarell Quansah and amid concerns over Ibrahima Konate’s future.
But Newcastle are determined to snare Guehi first, with a report providing the latest on the defender.
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