Latest news with #Nunez
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Florian Wirtz and Liverpool wonderkids star in Yokohama friendly win
YOKOHAMA 1-3 LIVERPOOL: Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for the Premier League champions before a pair of teenagers came off the bench to steal the show in final friendly of pre-season tour Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal before Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha boosted their burgeoning reputations by finding the net as Arne Slot 's side came from behind in the final game of their pre-season tour to Asia. But Arne Slot has much to ponder about a defensive line yet to truly flow as Asahi Uenaka put Yokohama in front early in the second half with the Japanese outfit fashioning plenty of chances. However the Reds' class eventually told as Wirtz levelled from Mo Salah 's centre before sub Nyoni, 18, produced a fine first-time finish to convert Jeremie Frimpong's beautifully weighted cross. Ngumoha, 16, then went on a mazy dribble and fired home from the edge of the area late on to seal a 3-1 victory. The goals came long after Hugo Ekitike's debut was brought to a close after 45 minutes, while Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister made their returns off the bench. Here are the talking points from Nissan Arena. Ekitike bow The latest summer signing found clear sights of goal at a premium during his first 45 minutes in the red shirt, with a cheeky backheel his only threatening moment inside the penalty area. But there was no shortage of endeavour from the France U21 striker as he dropped deep, put in some notable work off the ball and linked up nicely with Florian Wirtz on a couple of occasions. Nunez misstep The Uruguayan, who continues to be linked with a move away, was given his first minutes of pre-season as Ekitike's half-time replacement - only to contrive to miss a really good chance not long before Liverpool fell behind. It came from a great Salah pass but, having done well to stay onside, Nunez sidefooted carelessly wide when under no tight pressure. It summed up why he is now far down the pecking order and hardly convincing evidence into him being kept as an impact player. Pitch complaints And Nunez could not even blame an awful surface that was cut up from the beginning with a matchball that appeared to have a mind of its own as it bounced and bobbled awkwardly. Simple passes were inadvertently misdirected, there were some horror first touches. And the only positive was that no one appeared to pick up an injury because of a field more akin to a recently ploughed farmer's plot than a professional football pitch. Defensive concerns Despite those dodgy conditions Slot will be mildly concerned by how slack Liverpool's marking appeared at times - especially on the counterattack having shipped four to a Milan team at the weekend that had appeared blunt against Arsenal. With Alisson Becker b ack home to tend to a personal matter, new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili acquitted himself well in his debut outing - making one notable save from Dean Davi's header nearing half-time. Yet there was not much he could do about Asahi Uenaka's goal as Ren Kato drew Ibrahima Konate out of position before slotting a through ball behind Curtis Jones for Uenaka to finish low and firm into the far corner. Nyoni shines The big name arrivals have led to suggestions that the next generation of stars will find it hard to break through. That could well be true once the real stuff gets underway next month but Nyoni and Ngumoha are doing their case for inclusion no harm at all. Full of confidence, Nyoni took the second goal really well and almost grabbed another following some neat trickery down the inside left channel. Ngumoha's dribble and finish for the late third was the game's standout moment. While their hosts had tired and no Premier League side will offer so much time and space, it was top quality attacking play. Chances to shine may be limited to the Cup competitions but the signs are very, very promising for these particular youngsters.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Darwin Nunez's shirt number U-turn as Alexander Isak dream poses Liverpool problem
Liverpool are looking to seal a blockbuster deal for Alexander Isak this summer, but as things stand, they won't be able to offer the Swede his two preferred squad numbers Alexander Isak could be denied his dream shirt number if he joins Liverpool. The Newcastle striker is the Reds' top attacking target, and while a move initially seemed out of reach this summer, Isak's recent request to explore his options has shifted the landscape. Newcastle had previously insisted the 25-year-old was not for sale at any price, prompting Liverpool to turn their attention elsewhere. That led to a £79million deal for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike being hastily sealed. However, Isak's apparent push for a move has reignited interest at Anfield. To secure the Swedish international, Liverpool will almost certainly need to break the British transfer record for a second time this window, having already spent £116.5m on Florian Wirtz. Earlier this month, Newcastle reportedly rejected a £120m approach from the Reds, with speculation mounting that the Magpies could demand upwards of £150m. Adding another layer to the potential deal is the issue of shirt numbers. Isak has long favoured the No. 14 shirt - worn by his idol Thierry Henry - but that number is currently occupied at Liverpool by Federico Chiesa. He's also a fan of the No. 9 shirt, having worn it for several years on the international stage. The No. 9 currently belongs to Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer - potentially opening the door for Isak to inherit the iconic number. Should Liverpool land the Newcastle striker, Nunez would find himself pushed further down the pecking order, particularly with Ekitike and Cody Gakpo also vying for minutes. That, in turn, could accelerate his exit. Even if Nunez stays, there's a precedent suggesting he might give up the No. 9 shirt willingly. Last year, he ceded the number at international level to Uruguay legend Luis Suarez, who returned to the squad after a lengthy absence. Suarez - who famously wore No. 7 during his time at Liverpool - was touched by the gesture, praising Nunez's character. "He, with the humility that he has, a very good kid, said, 'No, Luis, you're the No. 9. I'm going to respect you'," Suarez recalled. "Those are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who is going to be one of the best, if not [already] one of the best in the world today." Whether Nunez would offer the same courtesy to Isak remains to be seen. The same can be said for Chiesa, who holds Isak's dream No. 14 shirt. Isak has previously explained the roots of his affection for No. 14. Speaking to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer in January, he said: "Thierry Henry [who wore No. 14 at Arsenal and Barcelona] was definitely one player I liked a bit extra. "Many great players have had No. 14. [David] Ginola at Newcastle. When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that were available, I think 14 was the iconic one. I'm happy with No. 14, but on the other hand, I know No. 9 is a special shirt." Isak has worn the No. 14 at Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, and occasionally with the Swedish national team. At Real Sociedad, he sported the No. 19 - a number currently occupied at Liverpool by Harvey Elliott. However, with Elliott also tipped for a summer departure, that shirt could present yet another alternative. For now, the Isak transfer saga is at a tense standstill. The Swede is yet to take part in Newcastle's pre-season preparations, largely due to the speculation surrounding his future. Magpies manager Eddie Howe claimed that no immediate decision would be made about Isak, and while he did admit there was a chance the striker would be sold, he insisted he was "confident" Isak will stay. "I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that," he told reporters. "But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation. "But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern-day transfers. The manager, of course, has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board." "Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes [with Alex]. He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him. "He's been magnificent for us and he's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. And I said [last weekend] I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring. "All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool takes HUGE step forward
The trump card that can deliver Isak to Liverpool Everyone is talking about the money the Reds have spent so far this summer, and let's be clear - it is extraordinary - but it's signing Isak on top of our spending remains a genuine possibility this summer. And the reason is because of players like Luis Diaz and Nunez, who are expected to bring in a significant amount when they are sold. Moves for the Uruguayan are being considered for around £50-60m and while the club would make a loss with that figure, it's still not a small transfer fee. Now that Ekitike is at the club, Liverpool could decide to keep Nunez, which would mean Arne Slot still has two strikers to call upon, without any more money being spent, which be a frugal idea. But a fee for Nunez could help go towards bringing in Isak and the impact of Diaz's possible move is also going to be huge. He's a player that Liverpool could quite easily be without next season since Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz can play at left-wing and Rio Ngumoha is already showing promise.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alexander Isak deal moves CLOSER after Saudi transfer request
Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United that he does not wish to sign a new contract - and instead would like a move away from the club. The Mapgies had been hopeful of hanging onto their star forward - but it appears the Sweden international's head has been turned. LFC x New Era Shop Now LFC Signed Merch Shop Now LFC x Titleist Shop Now Liverpool first approached Eddie Howe's side over Isak earlier this month - being informed that he wasn't for sale. But the outlook is very different now that Isak has handed in a transfer request. The Reds will be frontrunners for his signature - although PIF would seemingly prefer to sell Isak to Newcastle's sister club Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal target Darwin Nonetheless, the player's desire is to remain in Europe in order to compete for the biggest honours. Liverpool can offer that opportunity as reigning Premier League title holders and Champions League mainstays. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, are likely to move on to other targets and it's been reported in Saudi Arabia that is in their sights. It's not the first time the Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the Riyadh giants - who made an attempt to land the 26-year-old back in January. Inzaghi requests Nunez signing They have got a new coach in the shape of Simone Inzaghi, with Al-Riyadiah newspaper now reporting that the Italian has REQUESTED the signing of the Liverpool No9. 'Italian coach Simone Inzaghi asked Al-Hilal officials to sign Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez, the Liverpool striker, with whom Al-Hilal is also negotiating,' the report reads. Liverpool are thought to be holding out for around £70m for Nunez, who joined from Benfica back in 2022 for a fee that could reach £85m. © IMAGO - Darwin Nunez Liverpool
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One difference between Nunez and Hojlund as Juventus face Kolo Muani obstacles
Interest from Premier League clubs in Randal Kolo Muani has pushed Juventus to consider alternative targets, including Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, with the latter emerging as a more feasible signing. Juventus are considering their options as negotiations with PSG for Kolo Muani are stalling. Why Juventus talks for Kolo Muani are stalling The Ligue 1 giants are seeking a permanent transfer for the France international, who spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan in Turin. Furthermore, interest from Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea is complicating matters for the Old Lady. Juventus have already signed Jonathan David on a free transfer, but are planning to sell Dusan Vlahovic this summer, so coach Igor Tudor needs another centre-forward for the 2025-26 season. Several Italian sources report that the Old Lady is now considering Nunez and Hojlund. One difference between Nunez and Hojlund for Juventus Sport Mediaset highlights that Liverpool want to sell Nunez, a former Napoli target, on a permanent €60m transfer. According to Football Italia sources, the Reds' asking price is slightly lower at €50m, but the defending Premier League champions are currently unwilling to discuss a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy. Simone Inzaghi's Al-Hilal could match Liverpool's demands, so Hojlund has emerged as a more feasible target for Juventus, given that, according to Sportmediaset, Manchester United are open to discussing an initial loan deal with an option to buy in a €50m transfer package. As per Tuttosport, Kolo Muani's teammate Gonçalo Ramos is also among the Bianconeri's targets for the summer.
