**Portugal winger Rafael Leão has sparked a fascinating conversation linking himself, Liverpool target Antonio Nusa, and the upcoming World Cup.**
When asked by [_Sport TV Portugal_](https://www.sporttv.pt/pesquisa/rafael%20leao) to name his surprise player of the tournament, Leão confidently chose Nusa. It is a massive compliment from one of Europe’s top wingers, signaling that Antonio Nusa’s highest ceiling has yet to be reached.
Leão also boldly predicted that Portugal will defeat Brazil in the World Cup final.
Liverpool is actively hunting for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. [This search has led Anfield scouts to some of Europe’s brightest young wide players, including Nusa.](https://www.anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-fc/news/one-of-the-best-young-players-in-the-world-is-coming-to-join-liverpool/)
The 21-year-old Norway international has built a stellar reputation as an exciting attacker. He moved from Club Brugge to RB Leipzig in 2024, developing his game primarily on the left wing.
While his recent Bundesliga tally of four goals and three assists wasn’t explosive, his underlying traits stand out. Nusa’s searing pace, elite dribbling, and transition threat make him an ideal fit for a Liverpool side needing younger legs out wide.
Nusa’s Leipzig teammate, Yan Diomande, has historically sat higher on FSG’s wishlist. Diomande is younger, more explosive, and recently enjoyed a massive breakthrough season.
However, securing Diomande will not be easy, as the player has publicly expressed his desire to stay in Germany.
If Liverpool pivots in August, Nusa represents a phenomenal alternative. He has been linked with the Reds before, and his profile perfectly aligns with a broader attacking rebuild.
Nusa will have the perfect platform to prove Leão right. Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years after a dominant qualifying campaign.
With Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard leading the line, Nusa will be surrounded by world-class talent. If he shines on this stage, he could quickly transform from an intriguing backup option into Liverpool’s priority August target.
This is exactly the kind of endorsement Liverpool fans should get excited about. Rafael Leão knows what it takes to terrorize defenses at the highest level, so his backing of Antonio Nusa carries real weight.
While Yan Diomande might currently be the shinier object on FSG’s radar, Nusa’s raw traits specifically his ball-carrying and vertical gravity are precisely what a post-Salah Liverpool will need.
A strong World Cup showing alongside Haaland and Ødegaard wouldn’t just convince Liverpool; it might trigger a massive European bidding war that the Reds would do well to get ahead of.