Darwin Nunez future in doubt after forward REJECTS offer | OneFootball

Liverpool are known to be open to selling Darwin Nunez this summer. The Reds entertained bids for the Uruguayan in the winter window - but ultimately opted against releasing him.

Back then a lack of alternatives in the market scuppered any plans for a sale but the picture now looks different. There are several star names available - ranging from Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ektike to Joao Pedro and Alexander Isak.

But firstly sporting director Richard Hughes must earn the right money on Darwin. Acquired for a fee that could have eventually reached £85 million from Benfica back in 2022, Nunez is reportedly available at closer to £60m.

That looks like a hefty price - but given the 25-year-old’s experience, track record and current contract (2028), it’s probably in line with other market values.

And now it would appear that three clear suitors are emerging for the title-winning No9. We have AC Milan, Napoli and Al-Hilal.

But which destination looks most likely destination for Darwin?

Can AC Milan afford Darwin Nunez?

AC Milan suffered a poor season in Serie A - finishing down in eighth place - and are seeking rejuvenation in the summer window. Nunez is a long-time club favourite - and this could be the right time for the Rossoneri to strike.

However, Milan are going to have trouble affording the South American frontman. According to a recent report in Empire of the Kop, the Milanese giants are seeking only a loan deal - which won’t ultimately solve Liverpool’s problems.

Getting rid of Nunez isn’t the issue; the club would like to reinvest the proceeds of his sale into another forward option. A loan isn’t a lot of use. So let’s discount Milan at this stage.

© IMAGO - Darwin Nunez Liverpool 2024-25

Napoli want loan deal for Darwin Nunez

Then we have to consider Napoli.

The Serie A winners - coached by Antonio Conte - are looking to reduce their reliance on Romelu Lukaku up front and reportedly see Darwin as the ideal candidate.

Having sold Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain in January - and now banking even more prize money and Champions League participation fees - the Neapolitan club are relatively flush.

Conte’s club CAN afford Darwin at his current asking price but they too would prefer a loan agreement and - according to EOTK - don’t necessarily want to include a purchase obligation.

© IMAGO

Darwin Nunez rejects Al-Hilal

Al-Hilal, therefore, can be brought to the table at this point.

The Saudi Arabian side will have no issue in affording the transfer fee and they could probably increase Darwin’s reported Liverpool salary of £140k per week many times over.

But the problem for Al-Hilal is that he’s already turned them down. At this stage of his career, a top-level club in Europe is what he is seeking.

Maybe Al-Hilal will come into focus later in the window in the event that Darwin doesn’t attract the right bids from clubs in Europe. But for now, it looks like they can be counted out too.

© IMAGO - Arne Slot Richard Hughes Liverpool

Darwin Nunez - Victor Osimhen swap deal?

There is no easy solution for Richard Hughes and Arne Slot right now. It looks like Darwin’s criteria would be satisfied by a move to Napoli but it would require a shift in their stance.

They will need to put money on the table - either in the form of a straight-up cash deal or else a loan with a permanent transfer obligation at the end of it.

Maybe the Reds will succeed in talking Napoli into the kind of deal they want - or else discuss a swap deal involving Osimhen. They need the Nigerian off the books and he’s valued around the same as Darwin considering his contract expires in 2026.