Liverpool To Sell Darwin Núñez in January Transfer Window? | OneFootball

Will Darwin Núñez Be Part of Liverpool’s January Transfer Overhaul?

It became very clear (following the recent summer transfer window) that the new Head Coach, Arne Slot, and his Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, were keen to move on players that they deemed surplus to immediate first team requirements. The desire for assets to offer short term impact was assessed through preseason, with one or two outgoing deals perhaps surprising to most of the supporters.

Photo: IMAGO

Though I would have been keen to see how the trio of Fábio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, and Bobby Clark, progressed under new leadership, trust must be placed in the hands of the Dutchman, Slot, and his decision to streamline his squad of players.

January Transfer Plans

I suspect that work is already underway to source a defensive midfielder and a left-sided defender for the winter window of change. Despite the tremendous form of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister (as part of the reds current double pivot), there is still the need for a specialist holding midfielder and I suspect that Liverpool will once again attempt to prise Martín Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad in January.

Photo: IMAGO

Regarding the full back position, a left sided hybrid defender is being sought, with the likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Jarrad Branthwaite being linked in late August. Ultimately the deals that fell away were for players that were unattainable at the time, which means that with more time to orchestrate incoming business, the correct decisions can be made and carried through.

Darwin Núñez – The Enigma

The subject of this piece is someone that is already immersed within the halls of the AXA Training Centre, rather than a youngster that has been moved on before impacting the first team. He is an explosive personality who has often struggled to make an impression on his 46-year-old manager, Arne Slot.

Picture:IMAGO

Darwin Núñez is the enigmatic striker that very much splits opinion within the Merseyside fanbase, given his sporadic success in front of goal. Logic points to the player struggling with the tactical requirements needed to succeed in this new enterprise. The on and off ball intelligence is a key requirement within this regeneration, therefore, the centre forward position has thus far been awarded to the more experienced campaigner, Diogo Jota.

Given this early season circumstance and the reluctance to blood Liverpool’s Uruguayan as a starter (until the win over Bournemouth), I now wonder whether January could be used to bring in an adequate replacement, one that would see the former Benfica hitman depart Anfield for good.

The enigmatic striker did indeed start for the reds against the Cherries, with a very fine performance and brilliant goal being attained. The problem does not reside within that ability, but the consistency to perform that regularly.

The Chiesa Acquisition

Following the acquisition of Federico Chiesa (from Juventus) in the summer, I do wonder whether that brilliant piece of business could create a pathway for his new teammate, Darwin, to depart the club. In terms of versatility, the likes of Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Chiesa, are all able to occupy the central striking position as well as wide forward roles.

After viewing the first six games of this new and exciting era, the wide forwards are expected to be equally adept at occupying the no.10 position when the game state demands. This reality would marginalise the importance the 25-year-old Darwin.

We know that in the past, the former Sporting Director and current Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, has championed the analytical department and the players they deem worthy of wearing the famous red jersey. Rumour has it that Christopher Nkunku was originally the man wanted by this team, however, the power of the former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, saw a move transpire for the current no.9, Darwin.

I believe that during the next two windows we will see a continued orchestration of righting the perceived wrongs of the previous regime, thereby building a squad to facilitate the new vision.

Winter Transfer Window Targets

I have already mentioned the name Christopher Nkunku, which makes me wonder whether Chelsea would be willing to do business in the winter transfer window. Sooner or later the financial overspend will force mass sales at Stamford Bridge and if the former RB Leipzig star is unable to solidify his place at the West London club, a move for the gifted German could become a distinct possibility.

There is of course the ultra-talented João Pedro at Brighton, who continues to light up the south coast overachievers with his tremendous endeavours.

Victor Osimhen is the mercenary from Napoli who currently resides in Turkey, with a loan move being sanctioned to Galatasaray after he failed to secure a permanent move away from Italy. Viktor Gyökeres is a sensational player that continues to excel for Sporting Lisbon. His performances make him someone that will be watched closely this season.

The Path Forward

Ultimately, there will be a long list of targets for every position imaginable. If certain individuals are truly unable to adapt to the footballing requirements that the new Head Coach demands, then they must be moved on to make way for those that can fully contribute.

Given the versatility of key players, there is even an opportunity to target a playmaking no.10, who could act in behind the central striker. Dominik Szoboszlai is a ferocious player who has many traits to his game, though overcoming the low block may not suit his powerful style from central areas.

In this scenario and in the knowledge that many teams will likely look to create the same outnumbering system (endorsed by Nottingham Forest last weekend), it could be that the names of Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala, could enter the realms of possibility.

The adjustments in the squad will be undertaken progressively and if the 6ft 2inch Darwin Núñez becomes a peripheral figure once again, then January could be the moment to cash in.

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Steven Smith