Newcastle lost their best player last summer when Alexander Isak agitated for a move to Liverpool, but missed a trick in not getting an exciting talent in return.
While we have been deprived of seeing the British record signing in action at Anfield, Liverpool’s move for Isak feels destined to come good.
Newcastle have come out the losers, not only because of how much worse they are this season, but because they are now looking to splash the cash on a player they could have had from the start of the campaign.
That player is Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with a return to England. The Magpies are one of the interested parties, and Don Hutchinson is pointing out their mistake.
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Don Hutchinson can’t believe Newcastle didn’t get Darwin Nunez in Alexander Isak deal
Hindsight is a fine thing, but you’d have to imagine the discussion was had about the then-Liverpool striker when Isak’s exit became inevitable.
Nunez’s move to Al-Hilal has turned sour, being dropped from the league squad despite a rather respectable return in his debut season.
La Gazzetta dello Sport outlined Newcastle’s interest while also mentioning Chelsea and AC Milan as potential suitors. Upon seeing those reports, Hutchinson took to X to point out their mistake from last summer.
Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League match against Al Ettifaq
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
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He writes: “Newcastle should have done this in the Alexander Isak deal. He would be a great fit for Newcastle. Pace in behind.”
It is an interesting idea. Nunez is a chaotic but very talented footballer, who has already shown he’s more than up to the physical challenges of the Premier League.
Newcastle have had a nightmare in the striker department. Not only did they lose Isak, but their priority target to replace him, Hugo Ekitike, was also snapped up by Liverpool.
Liverpool were desperate to sign the Swede all summer, and there was definitely scope to bring Nunez in for under value. An opportunity missed, but one they may correct in the summer as their current line-leaders struggle.
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There were promising early signs with Nick Woltemade, but his form has fallen off a cliff since Christmas. Yoane Wissa has also been far from his best since making the move to St James’ Park.
Nunez could replace either of them, and while he isn’t currently a beloved figure on Tyneside — I’m thinking of that decisive brace off the bench two seasons ago — it’s easy to picture the 26-year-old endearing himself to the fans there like he did at Anfield.
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