Transfer News: Liverpool make an offer to Benfica for Darwin Nunez

Transfer News: Liverpool have made an offer to Benfica for Darwin Nunez

According to the Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool have registered their first genuine approach to sign talented Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez. 

Darwin Nunez is a centre forward by trade, and his performances for Benfica have been outstanding. He has 47 goals and 16 assists in 84 competitive matches since joining the club from Almeria. His contributions have not been limited to the Portuguese top division, as the attacker has also made an impact in the UEFA Champions League.

Nunez’s heroics against Barcelona were important in Benfica qualifying for the knockout rounds of the prestigious tournament this season. He even scored the game-winning goal against Ajax in the Round of 16 and two more goals against Liverpool in the quarter-finals over two legs.

The forward’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, not least by Liverpool, who are planning to sign him in the summer. As Jurgen Klopp attempts to rebuild his offensive unit, the Reds are targeting the young Uruguayan international who could be a straight replacement for Sadio Mane.

Liverpool has made a formal approach to sign Darwin Nunez and appears to have made their opening move. It is a testament to his potential that the club is willing to spend €100 million to secure his services ahead of the new season.

Liverpool are up against stiff competition in their pursuit of Nunez, with several teams keeping a close tab on the highly talented Uruguayan. It is believed that there is another team who is eyeing to offer more than Liverpool. However, the South American striker appears to be set on playing at Anfield next season, giving Liverpool a significant advantage in the competition. 

Mane has been a standout player for Liverpool, and his loss would be devastating to the team’s general depth. The Reds have some breathing room to contemplate and pursue quality additions in the summer window now that the January acquisition Luis Diaz has settled in nicely.

Mane’s departure will have an impact on Liverpool’s depth due to a lack of adequate backup options. The Reds cannot afford to enter the 2022/23 season without a reliable striker capable of keeping up with Mohamed Salah.

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The 22-year-old is a phenomenal talent who, at his present rate of development, could turn into one of the finest players in the world in the coming years. Several of Liverpool’s finest strikers are reaching the end of their careers, and adding Nunez might ease many of the manager’s difficulties.

If the Reds’ interest is genuine then his signing could be closer than it appears. However, as long as Liverpool doesn’t bind him to a contract, there would be excessive competition, which might eventually shoot up his price.