Darwin Nunez remains on the market this summer, but his ideal exit route has just collapsed — and he’s reportedly not taken the news well.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Darwin Nunez was “very open” to joining Napoli, who had been seriously exploring a deal before backing out due to our valuation.
“Darwin was very open to that opportunity,” Romano said on YouTube.
“Excited by the opportunity to try a new chapter in Serie A… Champions League football with ambitions this season. But Napoli felt the price was too expensive… at least €55–60m was needed.”
Darwin Nunez’s move to Napoli is off
The Italian champions instead moved for Lorenzo Lucca, paying just €35m plus add-ons — a far cry from what we were demanding for the Uruguayan.
This comes at a pivotal time, with Liverpool still expected to sign a new striker.
Hugo Ekitike has been described as “very close” to joining, which would only further push the 26-year-old down the pecking order.
Darwin’s future was under threat after missing out on a key milestone appearance that would’ve triggered an extra payment to Benfica — a sign that Arne Slot doesn’t fully trust him.
With only five league goals last season, it’s clear why the 47-year-old Dutchman may be looking elsewhere.
Saudi solution still possible for Darwin Nunez
Romano added that Saudi clubs are now expected to come back in for Darwin, with interest already shown from Al Nassr in January.
“They signed Jhon Duran, who’s already left,” Romano noted, “so different clubs could now be involved.”
That interest is no surprise. Nunez’s raw pace, aerial threat and big-game experience could prove appealing, even if his Anfield career has been inconsistent.
With Liverpool pushing hard to sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt, all signs point to an exit — the only question is whether Saudi Arabia can match our valuation.
You can view Romano’s Nunez update via YouTube:
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Listen. Keep Darwin. Get him a personal trainer. He will rejuvenate.Period!
Well said lad. He gonna blow up. No doubtz. Gr8 player.
Not at LFC he won’t, had 3 seasons already, , just not good enough.
Dead right there dude, Darwin’s a bit of a rough diamond and just needs polishing up. Why lose money selling him? Let Diaz go, he wants away, figures bandying about indicate we’ll make a profit on him, nothing for him in two years anyway. A no-brainer.
Sell Diaz who wants out to anyone. It seems it is not just wages or wanting to play for barsa, then BM, who next. A Premier club, Saudi
Keep Darwin to cover left and center forward. Bring fowler I’m as forwards coach.
Darwin wants to stay and has the speed, power and work rate, just needs to simply finishing.
Love Diaz to stay but I don’t think increased money will do. He does not have the live for pool that Darwin has. Pity as he seems to be improving with age.
I checked the transfermarket portal to see who Nunez’s agent is: Relatives. Nice. I’m sure that they are very grateful to Liverpool for trying to find Darwin a nice landing spot in the football Mecca that is Saudi Arabia (see what I did there) but I think it’s time for the relatives to get a bit nasty. Give Liverpool a list of a few teams IN EUROPE that Nunez would be willing to go to. Get the deal done. Not enough money? Too bad, then he stays, because he ain’t going to freaking Saudi Arabia.
Wirtz’s creative genius and the relentless pace of Kerkez and Frimpong will provide Darwin with a plethora of high-quality chances. This, coupled with his maturing game and increasing league familiarity, means he absolutely deserves one more season to truly click and go on a prolific scoring run. If, however, he still struggles next season, then bringing in a proven, clinical striker like Alexander Isak(NEWCASTLE WILL HAVE COOLED DOWN) would be a win-win, ensuring the team’s attacking firepower remains elite.
Bring in Suarez to work with him and save the club a lot of money. Darwin is a confidence player and Luis is his idol. His international form remains very good