Report: Liverpool Demand €70m for striker
As the summer transfer window continues to gather pace, Darwin Nunez's name remains near the top of the headlines. The Uruguayan forward, signed by Liverpool for a fee potentially rising to £85 million in 2022, has become the subject of serious interest from Serie A champions Napoli and Saudi giants Al-Hilal. However, it is Napoli who appear to be the preferred option for the 26-year-old—at least for now.
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While Liverpool are open to parting ways with Nunez, their financial expectations remain unwavering. According to Il Mattino, the Reds are demanding between €65m and €70m (£55m–£59.3m), while Napoli are prepared to offer no more than €45m (£38.1m).
'Liverpool are not lowering their demands to between 65 and 70 million, Napoli would not go beyond 40-45 for him,' the report revealed.
This clear valuation gap highlights the challenge that lies ahead for any club looking to prise Nunez away from Anfield.
Formal Talks Ongoing But No Concrete Offer
Discussions between Liverpool and Napoli are ongoing, with early figures suggesting a bid structure around €43 million plus €7 million in add-ons. Still, no official offer has been presented to Liverpool, and patience will be required if the Italian side hope to broker a deal.
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Il Mattino adds:
'The trail has not faded, indeed it has been relaunched in the last few hours. But excellent mediation is needed by everyone. A concrete offer on the Reds' table has not yet arrived: the Azzurri staff wants to be sure of hitting the mark.'
The Serie A champions are eager to land a marquee name to lead their line following Victor Osimhen's expected departure. But while Nunez fits the profile of an aggressive, mobile forward, Napoli's structured spending strategy may not allow for a €70m outlay.
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Nunez's Anfield Journey Reaches Crossroads
Despite moments of brilliance and a return of 11 Premier League goals last season, Nunez has not cemented his place under new head coach Arne Slot. With tactical demands shifting and Liverpool undergoing a mild squad evolution, this summer could be the right time for both parties to move on—provided the financials align.
Valuation Standoff Could Shape Nunez's Future
Napoli's interest is real, but unless they meet Liverpool's valuation, a deal seems unlikely in the short term. The Italian club will need to weigh up whether Nunez is the right fit not just tactically, but financially, in a transfer market where competition and price tags are both steep.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan's perspective, this report from Il Mattino paints a picture of a club rightly standing firm on their valuation. Nunez may not have consistently justified his massive price tag since arriving from Benfica, but flashes of explosiveness and raw potential have kept supporters intrigued. With Napoli capping their offer at €45m, it's unlikely FSG would accept such a figure unless performance-based bonuses heavily tilt the total package closer to their asking price.
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There's also a recognition that this could be a pivotal window for Liverpool under Arne Slot. Letting go of Nunez without a suitable replacement or financial compensation would be a misstep. That said, if Napoli or any suitor is serious, they'll have to reflect that in their offer.
From a footballing view, Nunez could thrive in Serie A with more space and less pressing intensity. Still, he remains an asset for Liverpool, and fans will want to see a proper deal done—or see him given a fresh chance under the new manager if no club steps up.
If Napoli genuinely want Nunez, they'll have to move closer to Liverpool's demands.
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