Darwin Nunez is edging closer to a Liverpool exit after giving the green light to a move to Napoli, though the Italian champions are struggling to meet the Premier League club’s hefty €70 million (£59.8m) asking price.
The 25-year-old Uruguayan striker, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a club-record fee of £64 million, has had a turbulent spell at Anfield. Despite making 47 appearances across all competitions last season, Nunez found himself increasingly sidelined under new manager Arne Slot, starting just eight Premier League matches and scoring only seven goals.
According to Sky Sport Italy, Nunez has approved a switch to Napoli, but the financial demands set by Liverpool remain a sticking point. The Reds are seeking €65m (£55.6m) upfront with an additional €5m (£4.2m) in bonuses, a valuation Napoli considers “difficult.”
The Serie A champions are therefore exploring alternative attacking options, including talks with Udinese for striker Lorenzo Lucca, who netted 12 goals in the Italian top flight last term.
Liverpool’s stance comes despite recent criticism from Slot, who questioned Nunez’s work rate earlier this year. The Dutch coach’s preference for a more fluid and pressing-oriented forward line may have influenced the club’s willingness to sell.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are also in the frame. Reports indicate that Nunez has reached a verbal agreement with Diego Simeone’s side, leaving the door open for a return to La Liga.
The transfer window has already been active at Anfield. Liverpool secured right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen in a €35m (£29.6m) deal, and they’re on the verge of finalising a blockbuster £116m move for Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz. Additionally, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to join the club, with his father claiming the deal is already complete.
With Liverpool reshaping their squad for the post-Klopp era, Nunez’s departure seems increasingly likely—but only if a club is willing to meet their valuation.