Credit: Imago

Niall Togher

Sun 22 June 2025 4:00, UK

Darwin Nunez struggled to contribute in Liverpool’s Premier League-winning campaign.

The Uruguayan striker was used sparingly throughout Arne Slot’s first season in charge, with the Dutch manager not holding Nunez in the same regard as his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.

When he first arrived at Anfield in 2022, Nunez seemed to have plenty of potential, frequently getting himself in scoring positions and proving to be a handful for opposition defences.

However, as big chance after big chance came and went for Nunez, patience has begun to thin, and it is clear Liverpool need someone new to lead the line.

Wirtz arrival could signal the end for Nunez

With Florian Wirtz finally being confirmed as a Liverpool player, Nunez’s days on Merseyside could be numbered.

Spending over £100million on a playmaker to create for a striker renowned for not being able to finish seems nonsensical.

Slot’s attacking department is now stronger than ever. If Liverpool can secure the signing of an Ollie Watkins or Alexander Isak, then there is no feasible pathway for Nunez into the team at Liverpool.

According to recent reports, Nunez is a priority target for Napoli, with the Italian champions keen to lure the striker away from Liverpool.

The Reds have already spent an extraordinary amount of money this window as they look like the favourites to retain the Premier League title.

But Slot has managed the situation smartly, the players who did not feature much last season look set to be moved on to fund quality replacements that continue to level up his squad.

The best example of this strategy is the proposed sale of Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, freeing up funds to secure a sizeable upgrade in Marc Guehi.

Doing the same with Nunez seems to make perfect sense, especially if the money can help facilitate a move for a world-class player like Isak.

Liverpool must have no place for sentiment

FSG and Slot must realise they are just a few signings away from potentially entering an era of domination, and they have to capitalise.

Whilst Nunez may have earned cult hero status at the club, it is time to cut their losses.

In his three seasons in the Premier League, Nunez has consistently underperformed his expected goals, and for Liverpool to keep winning the biggest trophies possible, they cannot afford to keep relying on the Uruguayan.

With Mohamed Salah guaranteed to miss a portion of next season due to his involvement in the AFCON, Slot must have attackers he can rely on in the Egyptian’s absence.