Reds’ Faltering Forward Agrees Terms But Napoil Still Made to Wait | OneFootball

Nunez Signals Desire to Leave Liverpool

Darwin Nunez has indicated his willingness to leave Liverpool this summer, with Napoli emerging as a serious contender for the Uruguayan forward. The 26-year-old has grown disillusioned with his situation at Anfield following a season of limited opportunities under new head coach Arne Slot.

Despite the Dutchman guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut campaign, Nunez managed only eight league starts, with his influence waning during the business end of the season. Napoli have received encouragement from the player’s representatives to pursue a deal, according to Simon Mullock in the Mirror, but Liverpool’s £70 million valuation is proving a stumbling block.

The Serie A champions believe a fee closer to £50 million would be more appropriate, and are willing to be patient in the hope that Liverpool eventually soften their stance.

Napoli Plot Move as Liverpool Assess Market

With Nunez eager for a new chapter, Napoli are weighing their next move carefully. The Italian side are aware that Liverpool are looking to reshape their attacking line-up this summer and could be more flexible later in the window. Napoli’s interest is concrete, but their approach remains measured.

While Nunez waits for clarity, Liverpool continue to explore other forward options. Alexander Isak of Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are both on Slot’s radar, though neither would come cheap. Any incoming transfer is expected to be offset by player sales, particularly given Liverpool’s significant outlay already this summer.

Liverpool’s Summer Spending Shapes Negotiations

Liverpool have already committed around £185 million on new arrivals, including Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. The acquisition of Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen – an initial £100 million deal potentially rising to £116 million – now stands as a British record transfer, eclipsing the figure paid for Nunez two years ago.

Photo: IMAGO

The Reds are therefore keen to recoup maximum value for any outgoing players. Nunez, who joined from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64 million, has a series of add-ons in his contract – including a clause triggered by league starts. This has contributed to his reduced minutes late in the season, with Liverpool reportedly reluctant to activate a further payment to his former club.

“The Reds requiring to make an extra payment to Benfica if he started one more league match after the 3-1 win over Southampton on March 8” was a pivotal consideration, influencing Slot’s team selections in the campaign’s final months.

Nunez Situation Highlights Strategic Shift

Nunez’s departure would mark a shift in Liverpool’s strategy, moving away from a player once touted as the club’s most expensive signing. However, his return of just seven goals last season has raised questions about his long-term suitability under Slot’s system.

Napoli, meanwhile, view Nunez as a player capable of thriving in Serie A, particularly with the promise of regular starts and a tactical structure potentially more suited to his strengths. For now, both clubs remain some distance apart in valuation – but as the market evolves, so too might Liverpool’s position.

For Napoli, patience could prove the most valuable currency of all.