[Liverpool](https://walkon.com/)’s forward setup has always had the potential to be world-class, but there’s one stubborn problem: **Darwin Núñez hasn’t delivered**. He arrived with promise and pace, but has struggled to convert that into consistent output. Liverpool are actively working to move him on, and one crucial reason underpins their reasoning—**the signing of Hugo Ekitike hinges on Núñez’s departure**.
### Interest growing from Serie A and Saudi Arabia
**Napoli** and several **Saudi Pro League** clubs are in discussions to sign Núñez, creating real momentum around a deal. With his performances falling short—seven goals in 47 appearances last season, and missed chances costing Liverpool key moments—his exit isn’t just probable, it’s necessary.
### A high-potential signing needs room to breathe
Núñez has undeniable talent—he possesses electric pace, physical strength, and flashes of clinical finishing. But the data doesn’t lie: his inconsistency has prevented Liverpool from reaching their full potential. Meanwhile, **Liverpool are eager to sign Hugo Ekitike** from Eintracht Frankfurt, as **Fabrizio Romano** confirmed, and that deal is **contingent on freeing up space** – both financially and roster-wise.
Ekitike is cut from a different cloth: less physically imposing, but more refined technically, with sharp dribbling, intelligent movement, and composure in front of goal. His qualities align more with Arne Slot’s flowing system. But Ekitike won’t happen unless Liverpool **act decisively on Núñez’s future**.
### Why selling Núñez makes sense
1. **Performance mismatch**: Liverpool need a striker who consistently delivers. Núñez hasn’t filled that role, especially in big games.
2. **Financial leverage**: A sale brings in significant funds—Napoli may offer £40–45 million, Saudi packages could be higher.
3. **Strategic clarity**: Clearing Núñez opens space for a player better suited to Liverpool’s tactical vision. Whether it’s Ekitike, Alexander Isak, or another profile, they need quality, not promise.
### Ekitike: the upgrade they need
Ekitike combines technique with efficiency. He’s a player who reads the game, creates off the ball, and “plugs into the system” immediately. Club sources tell us Liverpool are fully in the race—a deal is active and could be finalised quickly once Núñez departs.
If Liverpool want to compete consistently with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid in Europe, **they must tighten up their front line**. Ekitike brings that cohesion, while Núñez, at best, will remain a fragment.
### Final push in the transfer battle
Liverpool’s window is moving fast. With signings like Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez in the pipeline, the emphasis now shifts to attack. But that space won’t matter if Núñez doesn’t leave. Loaning or selling him this summer allows Liverpool to pursue excellence, not just potential.
It’s that simple: **sell Núñez now, open the door for Ekitike, and transform from underachievers into genuine title contenders**. Because in modern football, persistence without precision becomes pointless. Liverpool seem ready to move on.
**Joe Soriano** is the editor of _The Trivela Effect_ and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like _The Real Champs_ (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in _ESPN_, _Bleacher Report_, and _Sports Illustrated_. He also helped manage _NFL Spin Zone_ and _Daily DDT,_ covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.