After other players at Liverpool, Darwin Nunez is now the subject of growing speculation, with recent reports suggesting the striker could leave the club.
Fabrizio Romano recently stated (via YouTube) that he expects Nunez to depart, following rumours that he was close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in January.
Although it remains unclear whether this will be Nunez’s final season at Anfield, the Uruguayan striker appears to have at least one major suitor in Europe.
Atletico Madrid interest in Nunez: Could Liverpool accept a loss?
On Tuesday, Ben Jacobs reported for GIVEMESPORT that Atletico Madrid are considering a summer bid for Nunez.
It’s understood that Diego Simeone’s side are planning an offer in the region of €35m-€40m (£29.5m-£33.7m) for the striker. Al-Nassr continues to show interest in Nunez as well, and an exit from Liverpool is now seen as “possible.”
https://twitter.com/AnythingLFC\_/status/1902020377544372445
After scoring 15 goals in his first season at Liverpool and 18 last term, Nunez has only managed seven in the current campaign, despite featuring in 40 games.
While his stoppage time brace against Brentford was memorable, his overall output hasn’t been consistent enough for a player who cost an initial £64m from Benfica three years ago. The reported price range from Atletico suggests they believe they can sign Nunez at a loss for Liverpool.
Selling Nunez for such a sum would seem like poor business for the Merseyside club, especially if they fail to bring in a replacement. Additionally, with three years remaining on his contract, Liverpool don’t need to rush into accepting a low offer for the striker.
If Atletico Madrid were to make an offer, Liverpool would be in a strong position to negotiate. Atletico’s sporting director, Carlos Busero, has firmly dismissed rumours about Julian Alvarez potentially moving to Anfield.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool’s owners, FSG, will be as blunt in shutting down any speculation about Nunez’s future, now that Atletico Madrid is showing interest.
What next for the Reds?
With the Nunez rumours, the entire front line is set to be leaving the Merseyside club at the end of the season.
Moreover, Van Dijk is also rumoured to leave the club with PSG showing interest in the Dutchman.
However, these rumours were dismissed by a French journalist recently and the Liverpool fans breathed a sigh of relief, for now at least.
The defender’s future at Liverpool is uncertain as well and we could see him depart at the end of the season. It now feels like the Reds would be in for a squad overhaul the next season.
Also read:Liverpool’s left-back puzzle: is a Hungarian defender the missing piece?
Sai Akshay
I'm a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.