‘Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool future becomes clearer amid Napoli update’
Darwin Nunez is set to leave Liverpool this summer and there has been a major update that could influence where he goes.
The Uruguay international joined the Reds from Benfica in 2022, but has struggled to make the grade at Anfield so far.
Nunez has managed just 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, with only 25 of those goals coming in the Premier League.
After winning the title last season, Arne Slot has been working hard to significantly strengthen his squad and striker Hugo Ekitike looks like the next major arrival through the door.
With that in mind, there appears to be no place for Nunez as a major figure in Slot’s line-up.
Darwin Nunez’s Napoli hopes take a hit
Still only 26 years old, Nunez has been linked with numerous new destinations this summer, including the Saudi Pro League, Atletico Madrid and Napoli.
The latter were initially thought to be most interested in the striker as they look to consolidate their own title win in 2024/25.
| Liverpool stats | Darwin Nunez |
| Appearances | 143 |
| Goals | 40 |
| Assists | 26 |
| Trophies | 3 |
However, according to The Standard (20 July), Napoli have now ‘shut the door’ on a move for Nunez after agreeing a loan for Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca with a permanent option.
Lucca — a five-time Italy international — scored 12 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Udinese last season, extending that record to 14 goals in 36 outings across all competitions.
Liverpool’s winger dilemma
Nunez isn’t the only forward edging toward a Liverpool exit this summer, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona pushing hard to sign Luis Diaz.
While Liverpool supporters will be sad to see the popular Diaz go, it would give the club a great chance to add extra youth on the wings.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has long been linked with a switch to Anfield, but former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that deal can only happen once Liverpool find a solution for Diaz.
“It only happens if Diaz goes,” he told Football Insider.
“If Diaz stays at Liverpool, which it looks very much like he is going to do after they rebuffed that bid from Bayern Munich…
“We know there’s been a bid from Bayern Munich which was rebuffed immediately, and Barcelona are also interested in Luis Diaz.
“From Liverpool’s point of view, they’ve dug their heels in over Luis Diaz.
“There’s no space in that wide area for Liverpool to bring in somebody like Anthony Gordon.
“It’s quite simple, if Diaz doesn’t make noises that he wants out, he’s not going anywhere.
“If he starts making noises and making waves that he wants out, even manufactures a move, then there are some legs in the Anthony Gordon rumour.
“At the moment, I don’t see that being a starter whatsoever.
“He’s still only 24, Anthony Gordon, and I suspect he’s on a long contract at Newcastle, so it would take a lot of money to get him out.
“Unless Diaz starts making waves about wanting out, I think that’s a non-starter.”