Liverpool’s stance on Darwin Núñez’s future appears to be solidifying, with a summer exit looking increasingly likely for both the club and the player. After a season where the 25-year-old striker struggled to secure a starting role under Arne Slot, a change of scenery seems inevitable. While multiple clubs have shown interest, reports from Italy now indicate that Napoli is making a serious and concrete push to become the Uruguayan’s next destination.
The Napoli Negotiations
According to sources including transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli has moved beyond simple phone calls into direct, serious negotiations. While progress has reportedly been slow, the Italian club continues to “work on the operation,” signaling their firm intent to make Núñez a priority target as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.
This sustained interest from Napoli is significant, especially as the player himself is thought to favour remaining in a top European league over a potentially more lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, which had also shown interest.
The Asking Price Dilemma
The primary hurdle in any potential deal is the transfer fee. Liverpool, having received an offer close to £60 million from Al-Nassr in January, will be looking for a similar valuation this summer.
However, Napoli has reportedly signalled that they are unwilling to meet that price, hoping instead to negotiate the fee down to below the €50 million (£43M) mark. This puts Liverpool in a classic negotiation dilemma: hold out for a higher fee, potentially from a Saudi club, or accept a lower offer to accommodate the player’s preference to stay in Europe and expedite the squad’s restructuring.
Liverpool’s Replacement Strategy
The Reds’ recruitment team is clearly planning for life after Núñez. Reports from journalist Ben Jacobs indicate that a shortlist of potential replacements has already been drawn up. Names being explored include Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, whose Premier League experience is a major plus, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, a player Liverpool had scouted prior to his move to PSG. João Pedro and Benjamin Sesko have also been mentioned as the club looks to reshape its front line.
The sale of Núñez is likely the first domino that needs to fall before Liverpool makes a concrete move for one of these targets. With the club also pursuing deals for players in other positions, like Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, resolving the Núñez situation is key to freeing up funds and space in the squad.
What to Watch For
- Napoli’s Formal Offer: The next move belongs to Napoli. Will the Italian club make an official bid that is a serious improvement on their signalled sub-€50M valuation, or will they continue to play hardball in negotiations?
- Movement from Other Clubs: Keep an eye on the Saudi Pro League or other European clubs. A concrete offer from another suitor could dramatically speed up negotiations and change Liverpool’s leverage and asking price.
- The Next Domino: Any serious advancement in Liverpool’s pursuit of a replacement striker, like Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, would be the strongest signal yet that the club is confident a deal for Núñez is close to being finalized.
