Sidelined by manager Arne Slot at Liverpool, Darwin Nunez faces a major turning point in his career. However, despite the 25-year-old being targeted by Napoli, the deal could fall apart if Manchester United unexpectedly “pushes” Rasmus Hojlund into the mix.
From Blockbuster Signing to Surplus
Joining Liverpool in the summer of 2022 for a staggering £85 million, Nunez was hailed as the new “assassin” for The Reds’ attack. However, the Uruguayan has struggled to live up to expectations at Anfield. After a debut season with just 15 goals, he showed signs of improvement with 18 goals in the 2023/24 campaign—Jurgen Klopp’s final season. But under Slot’s management, Nunez’s opportunities have dwindled.
In the 2024/25 season, Nunez has started only seven Premier League matches, often relegated to the bench or cup games. His marginalization puts him at risk of leaving Anfield, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching, where he needs regular playing time to secure his spot in Uruguay’s national team.
Napoli’s Move: Conte’s Ambition for Nunez
According to Football Italia, Napoli have formally contacted Liverpool to inquire about Nunez. This move underscores the determination of manager Antonio Conte, who aims to bolster his attack to compete with Romelu Lukaku, who is likely to stay at the club.
However, Nunez’s price tag poses a significant hurdle. Liverpool are reluctant to sell at a loss after their hefty investment to sign him from Benfica, where he scored an impressive 34 goals in 41 matches in the 2021/22 season. The Reds hope to recoup a similar figure, but Napoli may struggle to meet their demands.
Liverpool May Need to Look Elsewhere for Nunez’s Buyer
The situation is complicated further by Napoli’s interest in Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund as a backup option if the Nunez deal falls through. This development worries Liverpool, as losing Napoli as a potential buyer could jeopardize their plans to offload Nunez—a move critical to funding a potential blockbuster signing like Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, valued at £126 million.
Hojlund, who previously played for Atalanta before joining United for £72 million, has struggled at Old Trafford. After scoring 10 goals in his debut season, he managed just four Premier League goals last season. A return to Serie A could see Hojlund rediscover his form, making him an attractive, more affordable option for Napoli compared to Nunez.
If Napoli pivot to Hojlund, Liverpool could face challenges not only financially but also in their broader transfer strategy this summer. Hojlund’s lower price tag makes him a more viable target for the Italian side.
Napoli’s Grand Plans
Under Conte’s leadership, Napoli are gearing up for a busy summer. They’ve already stunned the football world by signing Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City on a free transfer. The Belgian star made an impressive debut, welcomed as royalty with the club’s homepage declaring, “King Kev is here.”
With lofty ambitions and a trophy-laden manager, Napoli are becoming an appealing destination for top talent. However, for Liverpool, their plans to sell Nunez could unravel if Hojlund steals the spotlight. This transfer saga promises to deliver more twists and turns in the coming days.