Liverpool optimism as Darwin Nunez sale unlocks €100m signing

Tom Weber

Updated: 24 Jun 2025 17:06 BST
5 min read

Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Liverpool are optimistic that they can reach an agreement with Napoli for Darwin Nunez, which would pave the way for a big-money striker signing.

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The Uruguay international is on his way out of Anfield after three mostly disappointing seasons following his €85 million move from Benfica. Although hailed for his work rate, Nunez's inconsistent finishing has seen him become a divisive figure at Liverpool.

The Reds are looking to sign an upgrade on the 25-year-old, but they are not going to risk falling foul of financial regulations, so any deal would be contingent on Nunez's departure. Liverpool's spending will exceed the €200m mark when they announce Milos Kerkez's arrival from Bournemouth.

Current ETV

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Liverpool

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€54.8M - €67M

In January, Nunez was open to a move to Saudi Arabia when Al-Nassr approached him, but his preference this summer is to stay in Europe. Thankfully for Liverpool, he has become a top target for Napoli.

The Serie A champions are prioritising a move for Nunez over other striker targets and are currently holding talks with the player and Liverpool to understand the financial outlay a deal would require. Nunez has already greenlit a potential move to Naples.

Liverpool optimistic over Nunez deal

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, there is optimism at Liverpool that an agreement with Napoli can be reached. With Nunez open to the move and the Reds keen to offload him, there is a 'good chance' that the deal will go through.

Plettenberg points out that this could lead to Liverpool properly igniting their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike. Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt have already been held, with the Anfield club receiving the same response as all his other suitors: the Frenchman will cost €100m.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are willing to pay that much for the 23-year-old. Chelsea, for example, have already made it clear that they will not spend €100m on Ekitike, while Man Utd are also credited with an interest.

It has also been suggested that Liverpool could move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen considering that they are already in talks with the Italian club over Nunez and Federico Chiesa. However, there have seemingly been no real developments on that front.

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