Lynch ‘Expects’ Nunez To Leave Liverpool – Diaz and Jota Futures Uncertain | OneFootball

Are Liverpool Set for a Major Forward Overhaul? Lynch Expects Nunez to Leave This Summer

Liverpool’s shock FA Cup exit to Plymouth may have dominated headlines, but a deeper, more intriguing story is emerging about the future of the club’s front line. On the Media Matters podcast from Anfield Index, host Eddie Gibbs and Liverpool reporter David Lynch discussed Sam McGuire’s recent article, which suggested that Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez could all be available for transfer this summer. Lynch’s take on the situation was particularly eye-opening, as he admitted he expects Nunez to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

Nunez’s Future at Anfield: Lynch Expects a Summer Exit

Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool has been a rollercoaster since his big-money move from Benfica in 2022. While his physicality and pressing have impressed at times, his inconsistency in front of goal and questionable fit within Arne Slot’s tactical system have raised eyebrows.

David Lynch didn’t hold back when addressing Nunez’s future: “I expect that will happen, that Nunez will go this summer.” This is more than just speculation—Lynch pointed to interest from Saudi clubs during the January transfer window as a sign that Nunez’s departure is not only plausible but likely. “There was big interest in him in January, particularly from Saudi clubs,” Lynch said. “Liverpool didn’t want to sell mid-season because he has a role to play, but it’s quite clear it hasn’t worked out as well as everyone hoped.”

Lynch suggested that both Liverpool and Nunez might see a transfer as mutually beneficial. “He’s probably worth quite a bit of money, and if Liverpool can get back a chunk of what they paid, I think there’s a willingness from his side to go as well, to be a starting number nine somewhere.”

Photo: IMAGO

Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota: Uncertain Futures

While Lynch was confident about Nunez’s departure, he was more cautious when discussing the futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota. Sam McGuire’s article implied that both players could be on the chopping block, but Lynch suggested the situation is more nuanced.

On Diaz, Lynch said: “He’s coming up to that point where he’s two years out from the end of his contract. There’s big interest in him from clubs in Spain, and you’re in that realm of possibility. Liverpool are not at the point where they’re trying to ship him out, but his future is very much in doubt.”

Lynch emphasised that while Diaz isn’t guaranteed to leave, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he did. “I don’t necessarily expect that Liverpool will offer him a new contract, and with strong interest from La Liga and Saudi clubs, I wouldn’t be shocked if he moves on.”

Diogo Jota, however, presents a different challenge. His injury record complicates potential transfer plans, and Lynch believes that could keep him at Anfield. “The one thing that stands against the possibility of selling him is his injury record. It’s probably going to hurt Liverpool in terms of getting a fee that they would think is acceptable.”

Lynch added that Jota’s value to the squad, even as a rotational option, might outweigh the benefits of a sale: “My expectation around Jota is that Liverpool probably see him as one where it’s not the worst thing in the world if he runs down the next two years of his contract.”

Atrategic Summer For Liverpool?

The potential departure of three key forwards suggests that Liverpool could be in for a major squad overhaul this summer. However, Lynch argued that this isn’t a sign of crisis but rather a calculated strategy by the club’s recruitment team.

“Liverpool can improve this squad, even with these departures,” Lynch said. “If Diaz goes to Barcelona, Nunez to Saudi, and Gomez moves to a Premier League side, that’s a lot of money coming in. Liverpool can retool the squad with a very low net spend.”

This aligns with Liverpool’s traditional transfer model, which relies on smart sales to fund high-quality signings. Lynch suggested that Arne Slot will finally have the chance to shape the squad to his vision: “The manager will get a chance to put his stamp on the squad. He doesn’t have to push the boat out in terms of spending money to do that.”

Eddie Gibbs echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has often been about balance rather than splashing out on big-name players. “Liverpool aren’t weak in that area. Gakpo has dislodged Diaz as the starting left winger, and Chiesa can play over there too. I think they’d be mad not to cash in on Nunez if the right offer comes in.”

What Does This Mean for Liverpool’s Attack?

If Nunez, Diaz, and potentially Jota leave this summer, Liverpool will face the challenge of rebuilding their attack. However, Lynch and Gibbs believe the club is well-positioned to handle this transition.

“It’s not going to be deeper than this,” Lynch said, referring to Liverpool’s squad depth. “But it might have more quality. In terms of numbers, it’s not going to be bigger, but the squad will be better suited to Slot’s system.”

With players like Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa already in the squad, and the likelihood of new signings tailored to Slot’s tactics, Liverpool’s front line could look very different—but potentially more cohesive—by the start of next season.

Photo: IMAGO

Conclusion: Busy Summer Ahead

David Lynch’s assertion that he expects Darwin Nunez to leave Liverpool this summer is a bold statement, but it reflects the shifting dynamics within the club. With Luis Diaz’s future uncertain and Diogo Jota’s situation complicated by injuries, Liverpool fans should prepare for a summer of significant change.

However, this potential overhaul isn’t a sign of instability. Instead, it’s an opportunity for Arne Slot to reshape the squad in his image, ensuring that Liverpool remain competitive at the highest level.

As Lynch put it, “The money’s there, and the manager will have the chance to put his stamp on the team. This could be a summer of smart moves rather than panic buys.”