Replacement for Lewandowski?
Barcelona is targeting a surprising transfer this summer: Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez. This move comes amidst significant changes at the Camp Nou, with a mass clear-out planned to address the club’s financial constraints.
La Liga regulations have slashed Barcelona’s salary cap to just over £174 million, forcing them to offload high-earning players to fund a rebuild. The highest earner on the squad is Robert Lewandowski, whose wages are projected to hit a staggering £27 million next season. Selling Lewandowski is seen as a near certainty to free up funds.
Darwin Núñez, while one of Liverpool’s top earners, makes a significantly smaller salary than Lewandowski – roughly a quarter of the Polish striker’s wages. This falls well within Barcelona’s financial limitations.
Barcelona Hopeful Of Darwin Nunez Deal Despite Challenges
In an Exclusive from The Sun, Barcelona officials believe they can meet Liverpool’s asking price – assuming the Reds are willing to negotiate – considering the anticipated departures of other players. However, a significant hurdle exists: Liverpool’s reluctance to sell Núñez.
The Uruguayan forward, a club-record signing for Liverpool at £85 million two years ago, is contracted until 2028. Letting him go would be a blow to the Anfield squad. On the other hand, the potential sale of Mohamed Salah to a Saudi Arabian club could provide Liverpool with a sizeable transfer kitty, potentially making them more receptive to offers for Núñez.
Núñez himself is reportedly content at Anfield and not actively seeking a move. However, South American sources suggest the allure of playing for a giant like Barcelona holds some appeal.
Barcelona’s History with Núñez
This wouldn’t be Barcelona’s first attempt to acquire Núñez. They tried to sign him from Almeria three years ago but were ultimately outbid by Benfica.
Darwin Núñez enjoyed a prolific spell in Portugal and has maintained his goalscoring form since arriving at Merseyside in 2022. Despite having amassed 23 goals this season, he has also endured a recent dry spell, failing to find the net in his last seven matches. Additionally, he leads the top five European leagues in missed big chances.
These recent struggles have drawn comparisons to Liverpool’s former flop Andy Carroll, who managed only 11 goals in two years at the club. However, it’s worth noting that these criticisms come just a year after Kop legend Jamie Carragher compared Darwin Núñez’s powerful striking ability to that of the legendary Alan Shearer.
With the arrival of new manager Arne Slot looming, Liverpool’s players are all vying to prove their worth. Núñez will be under particular scrutiny in today’s home match against Tottenham.
Darwin Núñez: A Fighter with a Past
While some in England question Núñez’s resolve, his inner circle in his Uruguayan hometown of Artigas remains confident in his abilities. Darwin Núñez has overcome significant challenges in the past, including homesickness after leaving his family to play for Penarol, Uruguay’s biggest club, and a devastating knee injury that threatened his career at 16. Núñez’s brother and the support system he received from his childhood club San Miguel were instrumental in helping him persevere through these difficult times.
Daniel Suarez, president of San Miguel and a close friend of Darwin Núñez, spoke about those early struggles: “His brother leaving Penarol was a huge blow for him. Being alone in Montevideo on top of missing his family was incredibly tough. Then the knee injury just piled on the misfortune. He was on the verge of giving up football altogether at 16.”
Suarez continued, “Thankfully, his brother convinced him to fight back and even moved back to Montevideo to help him adjust. His parents also visited regularly. Everyone at San Miguel rallied behind him as well. Once he recommitted himself, he just exploded as a player. His debut for Penarol at 17 was the beginning of his meteoric rise.”
