Darwin Núñez is open to working with Antonio Conte at Napoli, but any potential transfer is currently dependent on Liverpool’s financial expectations, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Liverpool striker is reportedly considering a summer move to the Serie A club, though the transfer remains uncertain due to the high fee Liverpool is demanding. Romano shared on X that the Uruguayan has “given his initial green light” to join Napoli, attracted by Conte’s ambitious plans for the squad.
Napoli, keen to bring in a new leading striker, sees the 25-year-old as a player who could thrive under their new head coach. However, negotiations are still at an early stage, and the move could collapse if financial terms can’t be agreed upon. Liverpool’s significant asking price and Núñez’s salary are major hurdles.
Under new boss Arne Slot, Núñez has underperformed, netting just five goals in the Premier League last season. Despite over 140 appearances since arriving in 2022, he has struggled with consistency and has yet to win over the current coaching staff, fueling uncertainty about his future at Anfield.
There are also financial considerations on Liverpool’s part—reportedly, the club saved around £5 million in bonuses by preventing Núñez from reaching 50 starts last season, suggesting a strategic reassessment of his role.
Conte considers Núñez an ideal fit for his dynamic, high-pressing system and has placed him high on his wishlist. Still, the striker’s current wages and Liverpool’s original £64 million fee—which could have risen to £85 million—pose challenges. A summer transfer would likely cost Napoli closer to £50 million.
Should Núñez depart, Liverpool could move for a replacement striker. Alexander Isak remains a name linked to the club, with fans seeing him as a strong candidate for the No. 9 role. Moreover, Núñez’s departure could clear space for Florian Wirtz, who is expected to take on a central attacking position for Liverpool next season
