Liverpool now need only to confirm the signing of Benfica’s Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez.
What’s the word?
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed the conclusion of this transfer saga with his signature “here we go” on Twitter.
He relayed a statement made from Benfica on the forward, which confirmed a deal had been signed for an initial €85m (£73m) with add-ons to reach €100m (£86m).
“Official and here we go confirmed! Darwin Núñez, new Liverpool player on a permanent deal from Benfica,” the Italian journalist tweeted.
“Benfica statement confirms “deal now signed for €75m fee plus add-ons to reach €100m package”. Núñez will sign until 2028, medical today. Never been in doubt.”
A rivalry with Haaland forms
With Manchester City also confirming the signing of Erling Haaland this week, it appears that these two title rivals will now also share a rivalry between two young strikers who have earned huge praise over last season.
Darwin Nunez has been nothing short of prolific in front of goal this season, with 26 goals and four assists in just 28 league games.
Haaland also boasts a similar record in the Bundesliga, with 22 goals in 24 games. These two are sure to light up the Premier League in the years to come.
However, with the Uruguayan one year the senior, this slight edge in maturity combined with his ability to play across a front three could make him more suited to Jurgen Klopp’s system, and therefore a better performer in the league than the Norwegian.
The £49.5m-rated marksman also ranks in the 91st percentile for progressive carries per 90, which sees him painted as someone who also likes to drive at defences as well as find the back of the net.
Nunez’s blistering form this season has seen former Premier League forward Kevin Campbell label him “brilliant”, whilst FOX journalist James Dodd has also dubbed him a “predator in front of goal”.
One reason that could also denote the potential success of the inbound Anfield attacker could be comparing recent transfers from both leagues, as Bruno Fernandes has proven that being on top of the Portuguese league can be translated into sensational form in the Premier League.
In his first full season, Fernandes bagged an electric 18 goals and 11 assists from attacking midfield.
Conversely, Jadon Sancho’s big-money move from Dortmund to Manchester United last summer and subsequent underperformance has seen many disappointed with the transfer.
His eight goals and 12 assists in his final season in yellow and black could only be converted into a measly 3 goals and 3 assists in his debut season.
Perhaps Haaland too will struggle at first to make the move from Germany to England, especially considering he won’t have nearly as much room to use his speed in behind whilst playing under Pep Guardiola’s possession-orientated regime.
A rivalry that could rage on for years, Nunez’s versatility and ability to fit into Klopp’s style may make him a more successful purchase than the former Dortmund forward over time, and could eventually be the difference between helping the Merseyside outfit finally pip the Citizens to next season’s league title.
In other news, Liverpool now eyeing “unstoppable” 35-goal “nightmare”, could be a big Mane upgrade.
