Pundit excited about Liverpool signing Darwin Nunez after what he’s been told by his ‘pal’
Liverpool could sign “another Sadio Mane” in the shape of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, according to Alex McLeish.
However, the former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 22-year-old would have to take a big “leap” to adjust to life in the Premier League.
As revealed by Football Insider on Tuesday (7 June), Liverpool are lining up a formal move for Nunez after scouting him extensively in 2021-22.
His profile – pace, strength, finishing and the ability to play out wide and down the middle -suits what Jurgen Klopp and his staff are seeking.
Benfica has set a £55million-plus asking price on the striker’s head after his outstanding form over the past 12 months.
McLeish insisted Nunez would have to prove himself but that his record, coupled with Liverpool’s interest, means he could be “some player” for Jurgen Klopp.
“For any player coming from any other country in the world to play in the English Premier League is a leap,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“The thing is that Mane and Salah have all proved their worth. That’s what Nunez will have to do, come in and prove that.
“We can’t speculate about him and say he’ll definitely come in and be another Mane. At the same time, there seems to be a good crop of players in Portugal.
“I’ve got a pal out there, he watches the Portuguese league every week. He keeps waxing lyrical about the quality of a lot of the play and indeed the players.
“If Liverpool are going for a guy like that, you would tend to think that this guy is some player. We’ve seen him, of course, but they will have assessed the whole picture, as they do very well.
“It’s rare that Liverpool are making mistakes in the transfer window.”
Nunez netted 34 times in 41 appearances for Benfica during the 2021/22 campaign.
Meanwhile, Mane’s future is in doubt as he heads into the final year of his Anfield contract.
In other news, Liverpool in advanced talks to sign wide man ahead of Premier League rivals.