Darwin Nunez delivered an impressive performance early Monday morning (GMT), leading Uruguay to a 3-1 victory over Panama in their opening match of the CONMEBOL Copa America.
The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Benfica for a club-record fee of up to £85 million, has faced criticism after two seasons with the team. This scrutiny is likely justified, as he has scored only 33 goals in 96 appearances across all competitions.
| Darwin Nunez: Stats vs Panama | |
|---|---|
| Stats | # |
| Minutes played | 90′ |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots taken | 5 |
| Big chances missed | 2 |
| Touches | 33 |
| Accurate passes | 13/17 (76%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Dribble attempts | 3/5 |
| Duels won | 6/10 |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
Nunez’s skill set offers a lot to admire, which is why FSG should firmly reject any offers for him this summer, especially with Barcelona reportedly showing interest.
Luis Diaz is also on the radar of both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. However, these players could be crucial for Arne Slot in his first year on Merseyside, as the club seem to be focusing their resources on strengthening the attacking right flank and central defense.
It’s possible that these key players will remain, poised to make a significant impact during a pivotal time in the club’s history. Instead, FSG might consider offloading some of the less central members of Slot’s expansive squad.
Who Else Liverpool Could Sell
Joe Gomez has been rumoured to leave his long-time club, with Bayern Munich showing interest. However, Liverpool’s priority this summer should be selling Tyler Morton.
The Times reports that the talented midfielder, who had a successful loan spell with Hull City in the Championship last season, is attracting attention from RB Leipzig. Liverpool have set a £20m price tag for him.
Morton, 21, signed a long-term contract at Anfield in January 2023. While he hopes to prove himself under Slot’s management, a lucrative offer from a club like Leipzig might result in his permanent departure.
Why Liverpool Should Cash in on Tyler Morton
Morton, a product of Liverpool’s academy, has appeared in nine matches for the club. Recently, he has spent consecutive seasons on loan in England’s second tier, indicating a potential move might be beneficial for his career.
Known for his robust and dynamic style, Morton was pivotal in Hull City’s strong Championship campaign, where they just missed the play-offs.
According to Sofascore, Morton tallied three goals and five assists in 39 matches. He completed 88% of his passes and averaged 1.2 key passes, 1.4 tackles, and 4.2 ball recoveries per game.
| Liverpool 24/25: First-team Central Midfielders | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Age | Appearances |
| Curtis Jones | 23 | 133 |
| Harvey Elliott | 21 | 119 |
| Alexis Mac Allister | 25 | 46 |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | 23 | 45 |
| Wataru Endo | 31 | 43 |
| Ryan Gravenberch | 22 | 38 |
| Stefan Bajcetic | 19 | 22 |
| Fabio Carvalho | 21 | 21 |
| Bobby Clark | 19 | 14 |
| James McConnell | 19 | 9 |
| Tyler Morton | 21 | 9 |
| Stats via Transfermarkt | ||
Leipzig’s talent identification is usually spot-on, and Liverpool are certainly aware of the promising young player they have. However, they must sell him this summer.
Considering Morton joined Liverpool for nothing and could be sold for around £20 million, it’s an obvious decision, especially given the limited playing time he would likely receive if he stays.
Moreover, with only Sadio Mane, sold to Bayern Munich for up to £35 million, and Fabinho, sold to Al-Ittihad for £40 million, fetching higher fees in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Morton’s potential price tag could make him one of Liverpool’s biggest sales since Philippe Coutinho was sold to Barcelona for £142 million seven years ago, a pivotal moment in Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure.
| Tyler Morton: Liverpool Teammates Worth Less… | |
|---|---|
| Player | Market Value |
| Tyler Morton | £20m |
| Virgil van Dijk | £17m |
| Joe Gomez | £17m |
| Andy Robertson | £17m |
| Wataru Endo | £13m |
| Bobby Clark | £13m |
| Sourced via CIES Football Observatory | |
Furthermore, the figure mentioned above surpasses the valuations of several of Liverpool’s key first-team players, including captain Virgil van Dijk and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, both of whom have limited time remaining on their current contracts at Anfield.
Former Tigers manager Liam Rosenior commented that “he can do everything as a midfield player,” suggesting he could certainly make an impact at Liverpool.
However, opportunities may be scarce for a player now ready to take on a leading role at a top club. If Leipzig are prepared to meet Liverpool’s £20 million valuation, it would be a straightforward decision.
Merseyside will acknowledge an exciting prospect.
In other Liverpool news, Wataru Endo Offers Honest Transfer Tip to Arne Slot That May Cost Him His Spot in the Liverpool Starting Line-up