Nunez faces uncertain Liverpool future as Reds join race for €130m Chelsea target

Cameron Smith

3 May 2024 09:00 BST
4 min read

Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen amid Darwin Nunez’s recent struggles in front of goal.

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The Uruguay international has scored just once in his last 10 appearances and he has been dropped to the substitutes bench in two of Liverpool’s past three Premier League matches.

Nunez, 24, has netted 18 times in all competitions this season, but goals have dried up at the worst possible time, with Liverpool losing vital ground in the title race due to the poor form of their misfiring forwards.

With Feyenoord boss Arne Slot on the verge of being announced as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, Liverpool have been heavily linked with a number of new signings.

Centre-back is an area of concern at Anfield, while the Reds are also expected to sign a new central midfielder, despite purchasing four last summer.

Furthermore, they are now targeting a move for Osimhen, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.

The Nigeria international is expected to leave Napoli this summer, with Chelsea currently the frontrunners in the race to sign him. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on landing Osimhen, while Liverpool appear to have now registered their interest as they search for a possible Nunez replacement.

Napoli reportedly value Osimhen at €130 million and the Serie A giants are said to be unwilling to negotiate unless their valuation is met.

What has been said about Darwin Nunez?

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently spoke about Nunez’s future and admitted a summer exit could be on the cards.

“I think there is a question to ask [over Nunez’s future],” he said.

“You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.

“You are looking at it now and after two years, I don’t think there is going to be a massive improvement in him. What we have seen in the last two years is what he is.

“He can cause trouble, he can be erratic with his finishing. I don’t think it is going to be enough to win you the biggest trophies so I think there is a big decision to be made on him in the summer.”