Nunez Upgrade: Liverpool Chasing £101m “Unicorn” Who’d be Their Best CF Since Suarez
Liverpool have been in stellar form over the past few weeks, making significant strides in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Arne Slot is relishing his time in one of England’s most lively and enthusiastic cities.
If only the season wrapped up in November. However, Slot remains realistic with his squad, understanding that the journey is far from over, with obstacles certain to come along the way.
The Dutch manager has brought a football style to Anfield that allows more control than that of his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp. While the Reds still retain much of Klopp’s signature approach, this fusion of tactical philosophies has been highly effective.
One key element Liverpool still lack, however, is a reliable, prolific striker. Although Diogo Jota is an exceptional goalscorer, his recurring injuries pose challenges, and Darwin Nunez, despite his commendable effort, has yet to establish himself as a regular scorer for Liverpool.
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are emerging as a potential suitor for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top strikers in recent seasons.
Isak, currently under contract at St. James’ Park until 2028, might not seem like an imminent sale for Newcastle. However, rumors suggest a stand-off may be brewing, with Eddie Howe and the management seeking to secure the 25-year-old with a more lucrative deal.
Arsenal, in need of a striker, have been consistently linked to the Swedish international throughout the year. A recent report indicates that Newcastle would consider offers around €120m (£101m), which would make Isak the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history, surpassing the fee for Nunez, who, despite being in his third season at Anfield, has yet to prove himself as the high-scoring forward Liverpool seeks.
Comparing Isak to Nunez
Nunez has made 110 appearances for Liverpool, recording 36 goals and 19 assists, giving him a goal contribution rate of 0.50 per game.
That’s a respectable rate, but when compared to Isak, who has scored 40 goals and provided seven assists in 78 games for Newcastle, Isak’s contribution stands higher at 0.60 per game.
Isak, however, focuses less on the creative aspects of the game than Nunez does. Nunez ranks within the top 18% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues in shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
But Isak offers exactly what Liverpool currently need: a center-forward with “world-class” finishing ability, as praised by pundit Harry Redknapp, along with impressive speed and athleticism.
This isn’t to say Nunez lacks potential to play a significant role in Slot’s system over the next few years. Yet, despite his relentless effort, he lacks the clinical edge needed for consistent finishing.
At what point does effort alone fall short? Nunez’s best moments are often in instinctive plays, but the same can be said for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who showcases a sharper finishing quality in similar situations.
| Darwin Nunez: PL Stats Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Stats* | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 |
| Matches (starts) | 29 (19) | 36 (22) | 8 (4) |
| Goals | 9 | 11 | 2 |
| Assists | 3 | 8 | 1 |
| Shots (on target)* | 2.9 (1.3) | 3.0 (1.3) | 1.4 (0.8) |
| Big chances missed | 20 | 27 | 1 |
| Pass completion | 67% | 72% | 75% |
| Big chances created | 11 | 11 | 2 |
| Key passes* | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.4 |
| Dribbles* | 0.6 (49%) | 0.4 (43%) | 0.8 (75%) |
| Total duels won* | 2.8 (38%) | 2.4 (38%) | 3.5 (39%) |
| Stats Source: Sofascore (* = per game) | |||
Liverpool will soon need to prioritise investing in a top-tier goalscorer. Mohamed Salah has already delivered ten goals and ten assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. However, with his contract set to expire in June and no new deal in place, his future at the club remains uncertain.
Klopp once described Nunez as “unstoppable” when he’s at his best, but those standout performances have been rare. With only three goals in 14 matches (including just seven starts) under Slot, questions linger over his consistency.
Why Alexander Isak Would Complete Liverpool
Isak could be the perfect addition to complete Liverpool’s attacking lineup. Known for his prolific skills in front of goal, he scored 25 goals in 40 games last season for a struggling Newcastle side.
After a slow start this season, Isak has regained form, scoring in four consecutive matches for Newcastle. His goals were crucial in wins against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Last year, he ranked among the Premier League’s most clinical strikers, showcasing finishing skills that could elevate Slot’s already impressive frontline to new heights.
Adding Isak to Liverpool’s squad might even make him the best center-forward at Anfield since the days of Luis Suarez. Nunez, Suarez’s fellow Uruguayan, seemed a natural successor when he joined, but that promise hasn’t fully materialized.
Suarez scored 69 goals and contributed 39 assists in just 110 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, maintaining a remarkable rate of 0.98 contributions per game.
Widely considered a once-in-a-generation striker, Suarez earned legendary status, as noted by football scout Jacek Kulig, for his achievements with clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Isak, described as a “unicorn” for his unique combination of size and technical skill by journalist Kev Lawson, brings a vibrant style that could make him a memorable center-forward at Anfield.
If Liverpool’s owners, FSG, are intent on finding an upgrade for Nunez, pursuing Isak could be the ideal move.
In other news, Mohamed Salah’s Agent Adds New Intrigue to Liverpool Contract Situation
