
Anfield Index
·21 July 2025
Liverpool Still Ready to Sell 40-Goal Forward This Summer – Journalist

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·21 July 2025
Darwin Nunez may have grabbed headlines with a blistering 14-minute hat-trick against Stoke City in a behind-closed-doors friendly, but according to David Lynch, speaking to Eddie Gibbs for Anfield Index, the writing is on the wall for the Uruguayan striker at Liverpool. Despite his pre-season heroics, the club’s direction under Arne Slot appears unchanged.
Lynch’s comments are telling: “I don’t think it’s going to change Arne Slot’s mind on how he uses him.” Nunez, who has started 76 games and scored 40 goals for Liverpool, remains a player with clear talent. Yet, as Lynch observed, “It just hasn’t been a great fit at Liverpool.”
For a club freshly crowned Premier League champions under Slot’s debut season, the emphasis is now on building a squad tailored to the manager’s vision. Lynch noted, “He wants to play more frequently and he won’t get that at Liverpool.” Even with his strong numbers, Nunez has often found himself as a substitute, which has ultimately led to this summer’s probable exit.
The latest transfer news confirms Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. This development has made Nunez’s departure almost inevitable. With Napoli unable to meet Liverpool’s valuation, Lynch pointed out that “perhaps the Saudi clubs can.”
From Liverpool’s perspective, Nunez’s pre-season form is a boost. Lynch remarked, “I think it’s helpful for Liverpool as a club that’s trying to sell him that he scores a hat-trick in a pre-season friendly.” His market value, bolstered by recent performances, gives Liverpool leverage as they negotiate a “decent fee” before the window closes. Saudi Arabia is shaping up as the most likely destination, with clubs there showing a willingness to pay top dollar for European talent.
Photo: IMAGO
Arne Slot’s approach has been decisive. His focus lies not just on individual talent but on how players fit into his system. As Lynch summarised, “The plan is clear that Liverpool are willing to do business at a certain fee.” Slot has already proven himself a master tactician, guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his first season. Now, his second campaign is all about fine-tuning, with Ekitike’s arrival providing a fresh attacking option better aligned to his tactical setup.
It is hard not to reflect on Nunez’s time at Anfield with mixed feelings. While his record of 40 goals in 76 starts is respectable, Lynch’s assessment cuts to the heart of the matter: “It’s not quite worked out as hoped but he’s also not a terrible player.” He remains a figure of significant value, and Liverpool’s shrewd handling of his sale could add useful funds to strengthen elsewhere.
With fans looking ahead to another season under Slot, the likely departure of Nunez signals a club moving forward with clarity.