Darwin Nunez to Newcastle United: O’Rourke drops verdict on ‘surprise’ deal
Darwin Nunez is being heavily linked with a return to Premier League football this summer with Newcastle emerging as a potential destination.
The 26-year-old has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal side, and was left out of their Saudi Pro League squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival.
He is now looking at a return to European football just one year after leaving Liverpool, while Newcastle are plotting to sign a new striker when the window opens.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, it would be a surprise to see the Magpies make a move for Nunez.
The Uruguay international’s hefty pay packet and rival interest is set to force Newcastle to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a new forward.
Newcastle unlikely to pursue Darwin Nunez deal
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 24 February that Newcastle are keeping tabs on Nunez due to his availability.
Eddie Howe is believed to be unhappy with his current striker options after being underwhelmed by both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade’s recent performances.
Nunez’s experience in the Premier League with Liverpool has placed him on their radar, but they are not believed to be alone in their pursuit.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think it would be a surprise move for me.
“Darwin Nunez has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s squad, not being registered for the second half of Pro League campaign due to arrival of Karim Benzema.
“That is likely to force Nunez to move on next summer. It’s not an easy deal to do.
“He’s on a huge salary in the Saudi Pro League, so he would have to take a substantial pay cut if he is to return to Europe this summer.
“If Newcastle want to strengthen their attacking options next season, then I think they’ll be looking at a number of strikers across Europe to try and bring one in.
“As I said, though, although Nunes is keen to move on from Al-Hilal, it’s still not an easy deal just due to the finances.”
- Read more: Could Woltemade leave Newcastle this summer?
Newcastle set sights on alternative striker options
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 12 February that Newcastle will prioritise signing a new striker, as they are unhappy with both Woltemade and Wissa.
The two forwards were brought in as part of Newcastle’s last-ditch attempts to replace Isak after he made the record-breaking switch to Liverpool last summer.
However, they are unhappy with their performances and feel they can upgrade in the summer, with a number of top-class options already on their radar.
Alongside Nunez, Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Newcastle are interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is expected to leave Crystal Palace.
Howe is keen to recruit players with Premier League experience, and Mateta’s goalscoring record in England’s top tier has placed him firmly on their radar.
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