Liverpool Yet to Receive an Official Bid for £50m Forward – Report | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez and Napoli: Liverpool’s Transfer Dilemma Begins to Brew

Liverpool’s summer was always going to be defined by transition under Arne Slot, and the spotlight is now squarely on Darwin Nunez. Despite helping the Reds win the Premier League title in Slot’s debut campaign, Nunez’s role diminished in 2025, with just one league start this calendar year. That came in a 3-1 win over Southampton in March, where he scored and won a penalty.

The Liverpool Echo reports that Napoli are weighing up a move for the Uruguayan, though Liverpool have not received any official approach as of yet. While rumours have circulated in Italy that discussions are being planned with the player’s representatives, nothing formal has reached Anfield for the striker, who is expected to be valued at around £50million.

This lack of playing time, coupled with rising interest from Serie A, points to a potential crossroads for the 25-year-old forward. “Liverpool are yet to be approached over Darwin Nunez as Napoli reportedly weigh up a move for the striker,” the Echo confirms.

Photo: IMAGO

Serie A Suitors Circling as Liverpool Await Formal Move

Napoli are not the first Serie A club to express an interest. AC Milan were reportedly keen in January, particularly under then-manager Sergio Conceicao. However, with Conceicao now gone, Milan’s stance is uncertain.

Nunez’s form has clearly fluctuated. After notching 18 goals in 2023-24, he managed just seven in all competitions under Slot in 2024-25. This drop-off has fuelled suggestions that Liverpool could be tempted to cash in, should a suitable offer materialise.

The Echo writes, “Reports in Italy have claimed Napoli are scheduling talks with Nunez’s representatives ahead of a potential approach to Liverpool.”

Slot’s Preference and Liverpool’s January Decision

Back in January, Liverpool rejected advances from Saudi Pro League intermediaries, opting to keep their squad intact for the title run-in. That call, led by Slot, proved fruitful as the Reds stormed to a 10-point Premier League triumph.

“Liverpool turned down an approach from intermediaries of clubs from the Saudi Pro League in January,” the Echo noted, “with head coach Arne Slot preferring to keep his squad intact.”

Photo: IMAGO

While that showed confidence in the squad’s depth, Nunez’s limited involvement raised questions. The tactical shift under Slot, with greater reliance on positional structure and link-up play, may not have suited Nunez’s more chaotic, instinctive style.

What Next for Liverpool’s £85m Striker?

When Nunez joined from Benfica in 2022, it was seen as a long-term investment, with an initial £64 million outlay that could rise to a club-record £85 million. However, with his role shrinking and fresh links to Italy, Liverpool’s resolve may soon be tested.

The forward is currently on holiday, but as pre-season looms, his situation is one to watch closely. Any serious movement from Napoli could trigger a chain of events that reshapes Liverpool’s attack ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

For now, Liverpool fans will be watching closely. The big question remains: has Darwin Nunez run out of time at Anfield, or does Slot still believe he can mould the striker into his system?

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Darwin Nunez divides opinion among the Anfield faithful like few players before him. There is admiration for his pace, pressing, and raw unpredictability, but also frustration at missed chances and lack of refinement in front of goal. Winning the Premier League with limited involvement only underlines his dilemma—clearly a talented player, but perhaps not the ideal fit in Arne Slot’s more structured system.

It’s telling that despite his reduced minutes, there’s no shortage of interest from top European clubs. Napoli and Milan know there’s a player in there, and at 25, his prime years lie ahead. The question is whether those years should unfold at Liverpool or elsewhere.

From a fan perspective, there’s a sense that Nunez hasn’t been fully unlocked. With the right coaching and tactical clarity, he could still explode. On the other hand, if the club can recoup a substantial fee and reinvest smartly—perhaps on a more clinical, Slot-compatible forward—then letting go might serve both parties.

As one supporter on social media put it: “Darwin will score 25 goals next season, either for us or someone else. The only question is: do we have the patience?”

Whatever decision is made, it must come quickly. With Florian Wirtz reportedly set to arrive, space in Liverpool’s attacking line is already getting tighter.