Liverpool ‘so close’ to completing €100m Darwin Nunez deal after securing ‘total
agreement’ on personal terms
Liverpool have reached a “total agreement” over personal terms with Darwin Nunez, taking
a big step towards a club-record transfer.
Nunez has emerged as Liverpool’s likeliest attacking target in the wake of Sadio Mane’s
potential exit. Manchester United have also been linked with the Benfica forward, but
Wednesday has brought plenty of reports on a strong interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Indeed, several outlets have claimed Liverpool are willing to break their transfer record
to sign Nunez. In turn, he could form part of an exciting attack in between Luis Diaz
and Mohamed Salah.
Now, there have been further reports about the progress Liverpool are making on the potential
deal. Initially, it was suggested that Nunez would welcome a transfer to the Premier League,
and Liverpool specifically.
There is even more reason for optimism among the Liverpool faithful now. According to SportItalia
journalist Gianluigi Longari – who broke the biggest transfer story of 2021, that Lionel
Messi would be leaving Barcelona – the Reds have reached a “total agreement” on Nunez’s
personal terms.
They are going to give the Uruguay international a contract until 2027, as long as they can
agree a deal with Benfica for the transfer.
That is now where their attention will turn, with a first offer being readied. Longari
concluded that Nunez has “never been so close to Liverpool” as he is now.
Reports elsewhere have shed further light on the terms of the contract Nunez could sign
at Anfield.
SIC journalist Pedro Sepulveda has also confirmed that Liverpool are making a five-year offer
to Nunez. In terms of the bid to Benfica, he clarifies that it would be worth €80m
plus €20m in add-ons.
In Liverpool’s money, that means Nunez would cost £68.4m up front and then a potential
further £17.1m. All in all, he could be an £85.5m investment.
According to Sepulveda, Liverpool have already made their bid to Benfica. Earlier, Longari
had corroborated that the two clubs are close to finding an agreement.
The Premier League runners up seem to be moving quickly in this pursuit. It could set them
up for an exciting summer and season ahead.
The signing of Nunez would be a statement of intent from Liverpool. After all, this
is a striker who scored 34 goals in 41 games in the 2021-22 season. And at the age of
22, his potential is sky high.
Liverpool just fell short of the Premier League title in the season just gone, to Manchester
City. Since then, the champions have announced their acquisition of Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian international, who is one year younger than Nunez, is even more highly rated.
Some feel his arrival at City will make Pep Guardiola’s side even more dominant.
But Liverpool’s intent in the pursuit of Nunez shows they are not willing to let City
soar away. There is every chance they will be hot on their heels again next season.
If they can indeed attract a prolific goal-getter like Nunez to the club, Liverpool would be
setting themselves up for a big season.
They have lacked a genuine number nine in recent years, although the likes of Roberto
Firmino, Diogo Jota and Mane have done well in central roles.
Nunez would give them even more of a presence up front, just like Haaland will for Man City.
Each striker could be at the forefront of yet another intense battle for
the title.