Romano bombshell: Could Isak or Cunha replace Liverpool star?-TKT opinion

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Darwin Nunez has a concrete chance to leave Liverpool during the upcoming summer window. The potential departure could open the door for a new number nine to join the Reds for the 2025-26 season.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot declared that the club will have a busy summer after restraining themselves in recent windows. A section of the fanbase has firmly criticized the lack of transfer activity after the managerial change during the summer.

However, the Reds remain adamant in their approach that has proven lucrative while they compete with the high-spending competitive rivals. Liverpool have always bought players for a high value out of necessity instead of frivolously spending huge amounts on players.

The number nine problem

Despite the highly successful season so far, the number nine position remains an area of debate and issues for Slot. The Dutchman deployed Diogo Jota during the early stages of the season until the Portuguese suffered an ill-timed long-term injury.

Jota has suffered from nagging injuries throughout his tenure at the club since joining from Wolves in the 2020 window. The 28-year-old also struggles with his all-round influence, acting as a poacher but failing to contribute when Liverpool needs control.

Jota’s inability to link up and become an outlet to hold the ball and stretch the play has received criticism. Slot also deployed left-wing attacker Luis Diaz as a make-shift number nine in numerous games, playing Cody Gakpo out wide.

While Diaz enjoyed a hattrick against Bayer Leverkusen along with consistent contribution earlier this season, his output has faded considerably. The 28-year-old has also struggled to stretch the play and help the midfield in situations when other teams gain momentum.

The Darwin Nunez situation at Liverpool

Slot’s preference to use a make-shift forward in Diaz over Nunez is very telling that he wants a different number nine. The Uruguayan international has always received support and praise for his all-round work ethic and selfless contribution at Liverpool.

However, his continuous struggle with finishing and failure to consistently contribute to output is a recurring problem. Liverpool paid a massive transfer fee to sign Nunez from Benfica and goals are the only source of justification.

While the 25-year-old has made a decent contribution that does not make him a flop but at a club of Liverpool’s stature, one needs to produce far more output than he has. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Liverpool rejected a bid from Al Nassr for Nunez in January. He said:

“Al Nassr were in advanced conversations with the play [who was] open to joining and in advanced conversations with Liverpool [and] close to matching the price tag. Then Liverpool decided to keep the player as there were no replacements, no players included on their list in the summer were available in January so they didn’t want to overpay for players they didn’t want.”

The reliable football journalist Romano further added that the likelihood of Nunez leaving Liverpool in the summer is very high. He added:

“The expectation in the industry, of those close to all parties involved in this story is that from Saudi, they can return for Darwin Nunez. Let’s see if something will also happen with European clubs maybe interested but from Saudi, they remain keen on Darwin Nunez. And so, I think Darwin has concrete chances to leave Liverpool in the summer transfer window.”

Recently linked forwards: Alexander Isak or Matheus Cunha

Liverpool are strongly linked with two exciting forwards, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak and Wolves star Matheus Cunha. Isak is arguably the best number-nine operating in the Premier League this season due to his overall influence.

Isak has scored 17 goals in the Premier League so far, two behind Erling Haaland and Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood. However, unlike Haaland and Wood, the Swedish forward has a more complete style of play and is a consistent influence.

Isak’s hold-up play, link-up with his teammates and ability to create goals on his own puts him level ahead of others. Football Insider (via ESPN) recently reported that Liverpool wants a swap deal for Isak involving Nunez during the summer.

However, the Magpies would prefer a cash deal for the 25-year-old forward, opting to sign a replacement of their choice. The Sweden international is valued at over £100m by Newcastle which is a mammoth price tag but deserving of his quality.

Slot recently highlighted Cunha as a player worthy of playing at the topmost level, creating more transfer rumours about him. The Brazilian international haunted Liverpool in the last Premier League game as the Reds narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory.

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Slot had to put Wataru Endo in a man-marking role to stop Cunha from causing further damage after scoring a sensational goal. The 25-year-old’s style of play matches the beloved Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino which makes this potential transfer more exciting for the Kopites.