Liverpool star Darwin Nunez closing in on Saudi move – ‘it’s happening’
Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica in 2022 at the same time Erling Haaland arrived at Man City, but the Uruguay international has not had a similar impact to his Norwegian counterpart.
Nunez, 25, has hit just six goals across all competitions for Arne Slot’s side this season and has often been kept on the bench under the Dutchman – just as under Jurgen Klopp’s management.
The striker had been linked with a move away from Liverpool in January, but no deal materialised despite interest from clubs in the Middle East.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has claimed Liverpool’s overhaul will start with the sale of Nunez this summer.
Arne Slot ‘will bring his own forwards to Liverpool’ after Nunez exit
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed the 25-year-old will head to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Sources have told Football Insider (11 February) that Liverpool would prefer to sell Nunez over Diogo Jota – who has been linked with Arsenal.
Wyness suggested new forwards are needed at Liverpool as the “reliance on Mohamed Salah is obvious”.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “They’ve identified the forward line as the place to start this overhaul.
“I think that makes sense, despite the fact they are top of the table and scoring goals. The reliance on Salah is obvious.
“I think we’ll see Nunez go off to Saudi.
“If they let Arne Slot get the kind of forwards in that he wants, it’ll be a smart move.
“There’s no smoke without fire, and there is fire here with Nunez. Something is happening, and I expect Liverpool are working on replacements right now.”
Newcastle and Chelsea race to sign Liverpool star
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is being targeted by Newcastle United, Chelsea and overseas clubs ahead of the summer window.
Kelleher, 26, will have just 12 months left on his Liverpool deal in June and is set to leave Anfield for good.
The Republic of Ireland international will push for a Liverpool exit in the off-season with a deal for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili already wrapped up.
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