Report: Four clubs circling as Liverpool weigh up €70m striker sale

Darwin Núñez Transfer Update: Four Clubs Eye Exit Door as Napoli Deal Collapses

Napoli out, Saudi sides in for Liverpool striker

Liverpool’s summer transfer window continues to simmer with drama as Darwin Núñez once again finds himself at the centre of serious exit talk. According to CaughtOffside, the Uruguayan striker’s proposed move to Napoli has officially broken down — but that hasn’t stopped fresh interest from bubbling to the surface.

Sources have told CaughtOffside that “the strongest interest” now comes from Saudi Pro League sides Al Hilal and Al Nassr, with both clubs reportedly confident they could meet Liverpool’s €70m asking price. That figure remains firm, as the Reds are not looking to offload Núñez on the cheap, even though the forward has struggled to deliver consistent quality since arriving from Benfica.

Barcelona and Milan monitoring but not yet active

Núñez may still remain in Europe, with Barcelona and AC Milan both “keeping an eye on the situation”. However, CaughtOffside adds that neither club has submitted a formal offer as of yet. Financial constraints are thought to be a sticking point, particularly for Barca, who continue to operate under tight La Liga-imposed restrictions.

The player himself was reportedly open to the Napoli switch, as per journalist Alfredo Pedulla. But with that deal now scrapped, it’s unclear if Núñez would be inclined to join the Saudi revolution or hold out for a club with a European pedigree.

Time running out for a Liverpool revival

Núñez’s time at Liverpool has been as erratic as it has been energetic. While he’s shown flashes of his Benfica form, his all-round play and goal conversion have failed to justify the hefty price tag paid for him in 2022. His raw numbers — particularly missed chances — have often left fans and pundits frustrated.

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As CaughtOffside point out, “Nunez hasn’t really been good enough for Liverpool despite previously impressing at Benfica, so it looks like it’s time to make a change up front.” The club appear to be doing just that, with Hugo Ekitike now reportedly in the frame. The 23-year-old Frenchman, who tallied 33 goal contributions for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, looks to be a much more composed and consistent forward option.

Future depends on buyer’s ambition and Núñez’s choice

It now comes down to whether any of the interested parties can — or will — meet Liverpool’s valuation. Saudi clubs are best placed financially, but the player’s willingness to move outside Europe remains uncertain. If Barcelona or Milan manage to manoeuvre their finances, Núñez may well prefer to stay within the elite European sphere.

Until then, the Núñez saga is far from over.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report sums up a wider feeling of frustration surrounding Darwin Núñez. Signed with great promise and obvious raw talent, his time at Anfield has been marked more by chaos than consistency. Fans have admired his work rate, pressing and ability to unsettle defenders — but goals win games, and Núñez hasn’t delivered them at the level expected.

The report rightly highlights that “Nunez hasn’t really been good enough for Liverpool”, a sentiment many supporters echo. While the fee was eye-watering, fans were patient — hoping that, with time, his finishing and decision-making would mature. Sadly, two seasons on, it hasn’t happened often enough.

The Saudi interest feels like a potential lifeline for Liverpool to recoup a significant portion of that original investment. Supporters are likely to favour a European destination for Núñez’s next step, simply out of respect for his age and potential — but if Saudi clubs are the only ones meeting the valuation, most would accept the move.

Replacing him with someone like Hugo Ekitike, whose stats are far more polished, is encouraging. Liverpool fans will be eager for a more clinical No. 9 who fits Arne Slot’s style. Ultimately, there’s appreciation for Núñez’s effort — but understanding that now might be the right time for all parties to move on.