According to James Pearce and Raphael Honigstein of The Athletic, Darwin Nunez wants to join Liverpool instead of Machester United or Atletico Madrid this summer. Jurgen Klopp’s side reportedly made a €100 million bid for the attacker yesterday, and seem to be in pole position to complete the signing.
Darwin Nunez Wants Liverpool Over Manchester United or Atletico Madrid
Priority for Liverpool but Would Be a Great Signing for United Too
Nunez is Liverpool’s priority signing this summer. It makes sense considering Sadio Mane is set to leave Anfield over the next few months, and there is much uncertainty surrounding the future of Mohamed Salah. It has recently been reported that Liverpool would have to significantly up their offer in order for him to stay on Merseyside.
Read more: Mohamed Salah wants to join Premier League rivals
Equally, with the recent success of Luis Diaz’s move to the North of England, Klopp will not be afraid to buy another attacker from the Portuguese top flight. With Nunez being so young – just 22 years of age – he could be the poster boy of Liverpool’s new-look, rejuvenated attack, something which will be very attractive to him considering the quality that the Reds already have at their disposal.
Liverpool are planning to prepare an opening, verbal bid for Darwin Núñez to test water with Benfica. Proposal could be around €80m with add-ons. Manchester United also in contact with Núñez’s agent. 🇺🇾 #LFC
Both clubs guarantee they have no intention to enter into bidding war. pic.twitter.com/pH559Xnpuy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2022
Equally, Manchester United could do with a signing like Nunez.
They are set to buy a striker this summer in order to find a consistent source of goals who isn’t 37 years old, and Nunez would be the perfect fit.
However, with a transfer budget of £120 million, Liverpool’s offer of around £85 million will be a challenge to compete with, especially if Eric ten Hag also wants to add two top-class midfielders to his options this summer as well. A move for priority target Frenkie de Jong would cost in the region of £70 million, meaning it would be virtually impossible for United to sign the Dutchman alongside Nunez this summer.