Liverpool Star’s Exit is ‘Inevitable’ with £70m Price Tag Set – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Forward’s Exit now Inevitable with £70m Price Tag Set

The football world never truly sleeps, even as the summer transfer window creaks open, and the latest whispers from Anfield suggest a busy few months ahead for the Premier League champions. Fresh reports from the Daily Mail, indicate that Liverpool are prepared to demand a substantial £70m for striker Darwin Nunez, a figure that certainly sparks conversation.

It’s a development that, whilst perhaps not entirely unexpected, carries significant weight given the context of Liverpool’s recent title triumph under Arne Slot and their ongoing pursuit of attacking reinforcements such as Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. The article highlights that Nunez, despite being a “popular figure at Anfield,” is “now ready to leave Anfield after losing his place in Arne Slot’s preferred XI, having started just one Premier League match in 2025.” This sentiment, if accurate, paints a clear picture of a player seeking regular first-team football, which is entirely understandable.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Departures and Financial Prudence

Liverpool’s transfer strategy appears to be a careful balancing act this summer. The departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher are already confirmed, and The Athletic has also suggested that “Merseyside chiefs would be willing to entertain offers for Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez in the transfer window.” This approach signals a clear intent to refresh the squad, ensuring financial prudence whilst remaining competitive at the highest level.

The £70m asking price for Nunez, matching a January offer from Al-Nassr that Liverpool previously “made clear they would rebuff,” demonstrates the club’s firm valuation of a player who still possesses considerable potential. It’s a statement of intent, suggesting that any club hoping to acquire the Uruguayan will need to meet Liverpool’s demands.

Nunez’s Contributions Under Scrutiny

There is no escaping the fact that Nunez has had a mixed time at Anfield. The article accurately points out his tally of “seven times in 2,038 minutes on the pitch” in the most recent season, equating to “once every 291.14 minutes.” This isn’t the prolific return expected from a number nine at a title-winning club.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential and Market Value

What truly strengthens Liverpool’s hand in negotiations is Nunez’s age. He’s about to turn 26,  meaning any acquiring club would be signing a player who’s entering into his prime footballing years. This inherent potential, combined with his undeniable speed, strength, and ability to unsettle defences, contributes significantly to his market value.

Even amidst “regularly castigated” media attention, Nunez has shown flashes of brilliance, chipping in with “several vital late goals for the Reds, along with vital contributions for his team on big occasions.” Ally McCoist, the TNT Sports co-commentator, even lauded his “incredible impact” in setting up a crucial winner against Paris Saint-Germain in March. These moments serve as a reminder of the quality he possesses. The prospect of “several suitors” circling could indeed “trigger a bidding war,” further driving up the fee and benefiting Liverpool’s summer war chest.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This news regarding Darwin Nunez is a complex one, laced with both understanding and a touch of regret. On one hand, the reported £70m asking price feels like shrewd business, especially considering the initial investment. Arne Slot’s debut season, culminating in a surprising Premier League title, highlighted that while Nunez contributed to the overall team dynamic, his individual output in terms of goals didn’t always match the level of a primary striker in a championship-winning side. Slot’s system, which clearly prioritised collective fluency and efficiency, perhaps exposed some of Nunez’s more erratic tendencies in front of goal.

The fact that he’s “ready to leave Anfield after losing his place in Arne Slot’s preferred XI” speaks volumes. It’s a pragmatic decision from both player and club. Nunez is clearly ambitious and wants to be a consistent starter, and Liverpool, under Slot’s leadership, will not stand in the way of a player who doesn’t perfectly align with the manager’s vision or who can bring in a significant fee. The pursuit of Florian Wirtz, a different profile of attacker, further reinforces the idea that Slot has a clear plan for the forward line.