Liverpool could swap one South American striker for another
According to one report, Liverpool are willing to sell Darwin Núñez to one particular club for just £35 million – but only if they get a striker worth over £100 million in return.
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It looks like Liverpool are planning to end Núñez’s time at Anfield this summer. The Uruguayan striker has been as unpredictable now as he was when he was signed from Benfica for a club-record £85 million (including bonuses), and few would argue that he has lived up to the price tag.
After a season where Arne Slot mostly had to work with the squad left behind by Jurgen Klopp (with the exception of Federico Chiesa), the Norwegian coach will now have the opportunity to strengthen the squad with new signings.
Liverpool want new players at right-back, centre-back, left-back and striker. They are also looking for a midfielder who can provide competition to Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, although this is not as a priority as it was a year ago.
The new striker is expected to replace Núñez in the squad and move Diogo Jota to a bench. Luis Díaz, who has often played striker this season, will once again compete with Cody Gakpo for the spot on the left wing.
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Several reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano, have confirmed that Núñez is on his way out of Liverpool, with a move to Saudi Arabia as a possibility.
But according to a new update from AnfieldWatch, Núñez could just as easily stay in Europe – by joining Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool are even willing to sell Núñez at a low price, as long as it gives them an advantage in the negotiations to bring in Julian Álvarez in return.
Darwin Núñez out, Julian Álvarez in?
AnfieldWatch already reported in March on Liverpool’s interest in Álvarez and claimed that they are ready to break their own transfer record by matching Atletico’s demands of over £100 million this summer.
They also claimed that Liverpool have been following the Argentine international since his time at Manchester City, and that they even had talks with Pep Guardiola’s team before he ended up at Atletico.
Álvarez cost Atletico £81.8 million, and he has so far justified the price tag with 27 goals in his first season.
Liverpool’s interest in the 25-year-old striker is still strong, and according to the new report, Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone, is equally captivated by Núñez.
Therefore, according to sources, Liverpool are willing to sell Núñez to Atletico Madrid for just £35 million to secure Álvarez – who is described as a “perfect match” for Arne Slot’s style of play.
Why is Álvarez a perfect fit for Liverpool?
The report summarizes the situation as follows:
- Álvarez is seen as a “facilitator” and a goalscorer – he has the capacity to work, is diligent and can play multiple roles in attack.
- Slot wants a striker who is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces – a young Roberto Firmino would be ideal, and Álvarez is seen as someone who fits in that role.
- His experience in the Premier League (from Manchester City) allows him to adapt immediately.
- Liverpool are willing to be flexible with the Núñez price if it gives them an advantage in the Álvarez negotiations.
- Atletico are open to creative bookkeeping, as shown with Joao Félix and Conor Gallagher last year.
- Álvarez is happy at Madrid, but Liverpool may be the only club that can lure him back to England.
- Liverpool have three “trump cards”:
- Alexis Mac Allister (teammate)
- Gonzalo Siegrist and Fernando Troiani (South American scouts for Liverpool with whom Álvarez has a good relationship)
- Álvarez feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League after being overshadowed by Erling Haaland at City.
- Becoming the main striker for Liverpool could appeal strongly to him.
If Núñez chooses Atletico over Saudi Arabia, Liverpool could use this to secure the “perfect striker” for Arne Slot’s project.
