Darwin Nunez replacements ranked: Isak and Serie A title-winner
Darwin Nunez looks likely to depart Liverpool this summer after three years in Merseyside.
The striker has had a hit-and-miss spell at Anfield since his club-record arrival from Benfica in 2022, scoring some important goals but failing to find consistent form.
Liverpool have already spent heavily this summer as they recruited Florian Wirtz, but they could add even more firepower to the squad by signing another striker.
Several options have been linked to replace Nunez, and we have now ranked the four main names from best to worst.
4. Nicolas Jackson linked amid Chelsea uncertainty
One surprising option has emerged in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who could be allowed to leave this summer but may stay within the Premier League.
Fellow Liverpool target Joao Pedro joined Chelsea this summer, which could lead to Jackson’s exit after just two years at Stamford Bridge.
Although Jackson has done fairly well as a 24-year-old striker in a chaotic team, with 42 goals and assists in 81 appearances, the attacker does tend to miss chances, and this tendency is why Liverpool have decided to part ways with Nunez in the first place.
3. Victor Osimhen to leave Napoli
Victor Osimhen made himself a hero at Napoli as he led them to their first Serie A title in 30 years in 2023, but he will now leave permanently.
The Nigerian spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and showed that he is still a remarkably clinical finisher, with 37 goals in 41 games.
Osimhen will be available for a huge fee and with big wage demands, which are likely to put Liverpool off a deal, while his injury record is questionable.
However, if he were to join and hit his best form, Osimhen could prove to be one of the deadliest strikers in England, and would arrive in his prime years with a lot of pedigree.
2. Hugo Ekitike wanted by Premier League clubs
Liverpool are interested in Hugo Ekitike, and it is easy to see why, after an outstanding campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt saw him register 34 goals and assists in 48 appearances.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Newcastle are also keen on the attacker, who could end up moving for a hefty transfer fee, but the 23-year-old could prove to be an excellent long-term option.
If Newcastle beat Liverpool to Ekitike, Arne Slot could end up turning to another key target this summer.
1. Alexander Isak targeted by Liverpool
Liverpool’s best option upfront is Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who has developed into one of the best forwards in the world.
The 25-year-old was unstoppable last season, with 27 goals in all competitions, and scored in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
A front line with Mohamed Salah and Isak, with Wirtz in behind, would arguably make Liverpool favourites for the title again, and a big-money move for the Sweden star would be the signing of the summer.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.