There will be changes this summer, including in the striker role. High-priced forward Darwin Nunez has faced difficulties since his move from Benfica three years ago, and now seems to be the moment for him to end his time at Anfield.
Despite this, Nunez is widely anticipated to leave Liverpool during the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
“The plan has been clear since February and remains unchanged: Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool in the summer. After the club rejected an offer from Al Nassr in January, all options will be explored in the coming months.
“Darwin is also open to a new chapter.”
With seven goals and five assists in 42 appearances this season, Liverpool’s number nine has not delivered the return the club hoped for, making it no surprise that they are eager to part ways with Nunez in the summer. The 25-year-old is likely to attract several suitors, allowing the Premier League leaders to secure a significant sum that could be used to bring in a replacement.
Throughout the season, Nunez has been linked with various clubs, including Newcastle, who already have Liverpool target Alexander Isak on their roster. However, the chances of either transfer happening have faltered in recent weeks.
Since Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager last summer, Nunez has been more of a fringe player, with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo all being preferred ahead of him at striker throughout the season. This has led to frustration for the Uruguayan international, who is becoming increasingly open to the idea of leaving Liverpool.
Nunez has been linked to several clubs this season, including Newcastle, who also have Liverpool target Alexander Isak in their squad. However, the likelihood of either move happening has diminished in recent weeks.
Is Liverpool already preparing for life without Nunez?
Could we be entering the final month of what has been a turbulent three years at Liverpool for Nunez? His time at Anfield has been overshadowed by constant scrutiny over his goal-scoring form, having netted only seven times in 42 appearances this season—far from the return expected from a player who could cost up to £85m with add-ons.
However, his record of 40 goals in 138 appearances for the club isn’t disastrous, and he has shown a knack for delivering in key moments, scoring crucial late winners against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford in recent years.
Indeed, Nunez is fighting for his future at Liverpool and will be eager for Arne Slot to give him more opportunities in the final five weeks of the season. His only Premier League start in 2025 came in last month’s 3-1 victory over Southampton, where he scored.
While the LFC head coach has downplayed the possibility of a busy summer transfer window at Anfield, The Times reporter Paul Joyce has listed several strikers as part of a broad planned shopping list, which may indicate that the club is prepared to move on from the Uruguayan.
If this is indeed the 25-year-old’s final season with the Reds, let’s hope there’s still time for him to deliver another memorable moment or two.