Liverpool have reportedly rejected a significant offer for Darwin Nunez, as the club continues to be linked with a move for rising star Stefanos Tzimas.
In the summer of 2022, Liverpool paid an initial £64 million to sign Nunez from Benfica, a deal that was considered promising due to his impressive goal-scoring record with the Portuguese club.
However, after a standout season with 34 goals in Portugal, Nunez has struggled to adjust to the Premier League’s demands. He himself acknowledged the difficulty, telling Sky Sports that the league’s intensity and competitiveness were greater than he had expected.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance—such as his memorable two-goal performance against Newcastle—Nunez has had a tough season, netting only two Premier League goals.
With this in mind, reports suggest Liverpool may be ready to part ways with him, rejecting an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal worth around £70 million. Al Hilal, managed by Nunez’s former Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, is reportedly seeking a replacement for Neymar, who is rumored to be returning to Santos.
Liverpool is reportedly holding out for a £75 million transfer fee for Nunez, with Michael Edwards, the club’s director, managing the negotiations.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is reportedly eyeing a £62 million deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray. Anfield Watch reports that Liverpool’s management views Osimhen as an ideal replacement for Nunez, with Edwards having tracked the Nigerian forward since his time in Belgium and Lille.
Osimhen has been in exceptional form, scoring 13 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions, and is valued at around €75 million (£62 million). In comparison, Nunez has scored only four goals in 24 appearances this season, trailing behind teammates like Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz.
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, has defended Nunez’s work ethic despite his goal-scoring struggles, emphasizing his contribution to the team beyond goals.
However, Nunez’s future remains uncertain as Liverpool looks to strengthen their squad.
The Reds will next face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night.
