Darwin Nunez wanted by European giant after bizarre Liverpool transfer links
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsDarwin NúñezDarwin Nunez was linked with a bizarre return to Liverpool this week but another European giant is said to be keen on the Uruguayan, who is set to leave Al Hilal this summerDarwin Nunez in action for Uruguay against England.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)Bizarrely linked with a return to Liverpool this week, Darwin Nunez is a player that Barcelona would like to sign as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski this summer.According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga side is hoping to snap Nunez up as a cost-effective option, having already spent big on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.Nunez will be allowed to leave Al Hilal a year on from signing for the Saudi Pro League side because it signed Karim Benzema shortly after and he is the number one striker option. While he might be available to sign for 'free', there are other associated costs."I think Liverpool has enough cover in the central striker position," Michael Owen told Liverpool.com this week."And Alexander Isak is now going to be a focal point and really look to start his Liverpool career next season.There is a clamor from some Liverpool fans for Darwin Nunez, but he's not the answer(Image: Getty Images)"Nunez was effective for Liverpool, but if Andoni Iraola does believe he can be a good fit, then he is the one to make that call."He will know how he wants Liverpool to play and who can be effective and know how to play the role well.
But for me, I don’t see Nunez returning to Liverpool."Nunez has played in Spain before; he was at Almeria before he joined Benfica. It was in Portugal that he really took the next step, which earned him the move to Anfield.However, in the three seasons before he left Liverpool, Nunez had the lowest shot conversion rate of the Reds' forwards at just over 11 per cent.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Of the 15 players to register the most shots in the Premier League since he arrived in England, Nunez's conversion rate ranked second-lowest (25 goals from 226 attempts).He was also the top flight's second-biggest xG underperformer in that period after Dominic Calvert-Lewin (-13.7).Liverpool.com says: While Nunez might well be open to signing for Liverpool again — and the Reds are currently without Hugo Ekitike because of a long-term injury — there was a reason that he was let go.Nunez frustrated during his time at Anfield and it was the right call to cash in. Liverpool got a good price for his services too, even if he could move on for a cut-price sum 12 months later.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCDarwin NúñezFC BarcelonaTransfers