Liverpool news: Expert issues emphatic verdict on Darwin Nunez being benched after new reveal
Darwin Nunez will come straight into the Liverpool side and will not have to win his shirt if an £85million move is completed, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, backed the 22-year-old and Man City striker Erling Haaland to “light up the Premier League” during the 2022-23 season.
Benfica confirmed on Monday (13 June) that Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Nunez for an initial €75million (£64million) fee – which could rise to €100million (£85million) after add-ons.
The Uruguayan hitman notched 34 goals across 41 games in all competitions in the 2021-22 campaign.
Luis Diaz joined the Merseysiders from Porto in January and started 18 of a possible 29 games across half a season.
When asked if Nunez would have to earn his place in the side as Diaz did, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s coming in straight away as the out-and-out number nine.
“Liverpool and Man City haven’t had that option for a few seasons now. It’s nice to see two goalscorers and natural strikers again.
“I expect both of them to light up the Premier League. They’re coming in with good records in Portugal and Germany.
“Klopp has obviously been a big admirer of Nunez for a while. He scored twice in two games against Liverpool in the Champions League.
“I think it’s the perfect move. It’s one they had to make when you see Erling Haaland coming in at City.
“They’ve not messed about, they’ve got the deal done – and this has changed the dimension of the whole Premier League.
“It’s going to be a shoot-out for first and second yet again.”
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