Darwin Nunez ‘could be handed surprise Liverpool reprieve’ amid transfer update
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has consistently come under fire for his lack of quality in the final third.
The Uruguay international has scored just seven goals in 40 appearances across all competitions this season.
Arne Slot’s men could be willing to sanction Nunez’s exit amid interest from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
However, sourcing a replacement for the unpredictable 25-year-old may not be easy to come by amid a competitive transfer market.
Stumbling block appears as Liverpool eye Nunez replacement
While Nunez continues to struggle in front of goal for the Reds, Slot and Co. have set their sights on Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who has notched 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season.
But the prolific 22-year-old is worth at least £67million and he has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal [CaughtOffside].
| Hugo Ekitike stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals | 19 |
| Assists | 8 |
The France Under-21s international has fired Frankfurt up to third in the Bundesliga, while his transfer value could be set to skyrocket if he continues to produce the goods between now and the summer.
Ekitike news could be good for Nunez
The current campaign is the first in which Ekitike has displayed such ruthless instincts in the final third, and he remains unproven in the Premier League.
Therefore, Liverpool could be reluctant to stump up a large transfer sum to land his services, especially if his value rises further as the transfer window draws closer.
The Reds faithful may be disappointed that Ekitike could prove difficult for the Merseyside giants to sign, but it may spell good news for Nunez if the 22-year-old does not arrive at Anfield.
Despite his lack of composure, often in moments when it matters most, Slot’s men will not facilitate Nunez’s exit if they cannot source a replacement.
There is still a chance that Liverpool could acquire an upgrade on Nunez, which could be either Ekitike or Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, who the Reds are also interested in.
But for the time being, Nunez could be glad that Ekitike’s value could prove beyond the sort of money Slot’s side are willing to pay for a forward who is yet to test his ability in the Premier League.