Liverpool might permit Darwin Nunez to depart the club during the early phase of Arne Slot’s tenure at Anfield.
Liverpool star Darwin Nunez’s potential departure from Anfield in the upcoming summer transfer window isn’t out of the realm of possibility, as Barcelona have shown interest in the player. However, according to transfer insider Dean Jones speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Nunez’s fate at Liverpool could hinge on Mohamed Salah’s decision to leave the club.
The Reds are bracing themselves for significant changes ahead of the 2024/25 season. Jurgen Klopp, the current manager, is set to step down from his role after the final game against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to exhaustion, ending a highly successful tenure.
Arne Slot is set to succeed Klopp, with Liverpool reaching an agreement with Feyenoord to secure his services for a compensation package of up to £9.4 million. Slot will have the opportunity to revamp the squad upon his arrival at Anfield, injecting new energy into the team.
Nunez Has Emerged as Transfer Target for Barcelona
Nunez has emerged as a target for Barcelona following their plans for a significant overhaul following their loss of the title to rivals Real Madrid. This could lead to his departure from Liverpool, echoing Klopp’s recent move.
According to report, Robert Lewandowski faces the possibility of being sold due to his high weekly wage of nearly £450,000.
Barcelona’s new salary cap, set at just over £174 million, prompts manager Xavi to consider alternatives, with Liverpool’s striker catching their attention as a potential replacement.
| Darwin Nunez’s statistical averages per 90 minutes this season compared to Robert Lewandowski | ||
|---|---|---|
| Darwin Nunez | Robert Lewandowski | |
| Shots on target percentage | 42.9 | 39.8 |
| Shots | 4.71 | 3.03 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.54 | 2.12 |
| Expected goals | 0.72 | 0.63 |
| Goals | 0.49 | 0.62 |
| Assists | 0.36 | 0.29 |
| Statistics correct as of 06/05/2024 | ||
Liverpool spent £85 million to persuade Benfica to let Nunez leave Lisbon in June 2022, making him their costliest signing ever. However, it’s uncertain if he’ll feature prominently in the plans of the incoming manager, Slot.
Jones hasn’t dismissed the idea of Nunez seeking new opportunities this summer, but he doubts a move to Barcelona is likely since Lewandowski intends to stick with his current team despite their financial struggles, which could make them open to his departure.
The trusted journalist believes Klopp’s efforts to sign the 24-year-old might not pay off once the German coach departs, yet Fenway Sports Group won’t let him go elsewhere if Salah, their star player, is enticed away from the Premier League leaders.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT:
“It’s not really possible to know yet whether Darwin Nunez could actually be on the move before next season, but it is not impossible.
“The link to Barcelona seems a bit of a stretch, especially given Robert Lewandowski wants to stay, but I found it interesting recently that there were stories from very well-placed Liverpool reporters about how he was a Jurgen Klopp signing, not a club signing. It was a bit of a warning, in my eyes.
“I’m sure that a lot will be dependant on whether Mohamed Salah stays. I can’t imagine both players leaving at the same time as Klopp, but it is going to be a storyline that crops up again at the end of the season, for sure.”
Nunez Appears to Hint at Wanting Summer Move
Nunez has sparked speculations of his departure by removing all Liverpool-related photos from his Instagram account, leaving mainly family and Uruguay-related images intact.
Despite interest from Barcelona and others, Liverpool hold a strong position in negotiations due to Nunez’s four-year contract, valued at £140,000-per-week, enabling them to demand high fees for his transfer.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Tipped to Become Potential Destination for Premier League Attacker Amid Transfer Links