Liverpool are reportedly interested in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, as they push back a bid from Bayern Munich for Sadio Mane.
What’s the word?
That’s according to respected journalist Paul Joyce writing for The Times, who claims that Liverpool are seeking a sufficient fee for their Senegalese star in order to find a suitable replacement
There is an interest in Darwin Nunez, but it is noted that the Reds will not chase the player at any cost. It must be agreeable for the club.
Nunez bagged both home and away this season when Benfica and Liverpool clashed in the Champions League, which appears to have piqued Klopp’s interest in the forward.
Klopp to find his new number nine?
Roberto Firmino was not signed by Jurgen Klopp, although the way in which he thrived under the German’s system early on in his tenure suggested otherwise.
Perhaps the rebirth of a recognised number nine at Liverpool in the form of Darwin Nunez, who has enjoyed a remarkable goalscoring season, could but just what the Reds need to keep up chase with free-spending Manchester City.
In just 28 league games this season, the Uruguayan boasts 30 goal contributions. This breakout season has attracted interest from Europe’s elite, namely Manchester United, but with Sadio Mane all but out the door at Anfield, revitalising his front line will be a matter of priority for Klopp.
As mentioned, his Champions League form further cements his status as a marksman against any opposition, with his six goals in the competition a remarkable return for the 22-year-old.
It is this focal point that Klopp may have been missing in allowing him to fully push for an unprecedented quadruple.
Firmino was named the Bundesliga’s breakout player in his final season with Hoffenheim and then went on to enjoy an electric opening three seasons for Liverpool. If Nunez, who too has enjoyed something of a breakout season, could perform or likely surpass the levels of the Brazilian, the Reds would be in a great position to push for another Premier League, Champions League, or even both next season.
Despite his considerable size, however, standing at 6 foot 1, Nunez enjoys playing with speed and stretching defences. Perhaps under Klopp, the £49.5m-rated ace could mould his 5.42 progressive carries per 90 into another fluid front three alongside the likes of Salah, Jota and Diaz, and create even more space for the trio.
Nunez also boasts a fine 7.48 average SofaScore rating this season, and this kind of consistent standout performances would give Klopp the perfect platform to catapult another player’s career to the stars.
Journalist James Dodd had tipped the forward to become a “monster” for whoever he signed for following his final season at Almeria. It appears that his premonition has now come true, and Liverpool could do with another player of this ilk in their ranks.
The £32k-per-week star will admittedly command a huge fee, but at just 22 and with all the makings of a superb striker, Klopp could do worse than using any money earned from the Mane sale to invest in this forward guaranteed to score goals for many years to come.
In other news, Liverpool are now eyeing £45m-rated “phenomenon”, just imagine him & Diaz.
