Latest news with #Uruguayan
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool Striker Deal is now ‘Off'
Darwin Núñez's Future Uncertain as Napoli Exit Talks Stall Fabrizio Romano has delivered a key update that will stir debate among Liverpool fans. According to Romano, Darwin Núñez will not be joining Napoli this summer, as the Serie A champions consider Liverpool's asking price 'too high.' Instead, Napoli are closing in on Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca. However, this does not mean Núñez is staying put. Romano added that the Uruguayan forward is 'still expected to leave' Anfield during this transfer window, with clubs in Saudi Arabia showing concrete interest. Liverpool's Attack Faces Potential Reshuffle Darwin Núñez, who arrived from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64 million, has been a polarising figure at Anfield. His record of 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 games reflects both his productivity and his inconsistency. He was on the scoresheet again during Sunday's 3-1 pre-season win over Preston at Deepdale, reminding fans of his attacking threat. But questions remain. Núñez has often divided opinion, with fans admiring his 'work rate and effort' but also noting his erratic finishing and decision-making. Isak Links Fuel Transfer Buzz Romano's update arrives alongside fresh reports that Liverpool have made an approach for Newcastle's Alexander Isak. Adding Isak to the already eye-catching signing of Florian Wirtz, for over £100 million, would signal Liverpool's clear ambition to defend their Premier League crown. Slot's side, fresh from lifting the title in his debut season, cannot afford to be light in attack. If Núñez departs, a replacement will be vital to maintain squad depth and firepower. Núñez's Legacy and Unfinished Business It is hard to deny Núñez's determination on the pitch. He has been 'loved by many Kopites' yet 'frustrates the life out of others.' Despite the ups and downs, his raw pace, pressing and physicality have contributed significantly to Liverpool's high-energy style. While a move to Napoli is off, the future remains open. Whether Núñez will be lining up in Liverpool Red next season is a question still hanging in the air. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis For Liverpool fans, this update from Fabrizio Romano is bittersweet. On one hand, there's relief that Núñez will not be strengthening a European rival like Napoli. On the other, there's the nagging sense that his time at Anfield might be drawing to a close regardless. Arne Slot, fresh off his Premier League-winning debut season, has shown a clear eye for refreshing the squad. The signing of Florian Wirtz raised eyebrows across Europe, and a move for Alexander Isak would further underline that Liverpool are building for sustained success. Yet, for many supporters, the idea of Núñez leaving without fully delivering on his early promise feels like unfinished business. Núñez has given fans moments of joy, chaos and frustration in equal measure. His pressing fits Slot's style, and his ability to stretch defences has been crucial, even when the goals have not always flowed. If Liverpool can secure a top-tier replacement, it may be the right moment to part ways. But if no replacement comes, letting him go would be a huge risk. The Saudi interest adds another layer. While it could bring in significant funds, many Kopites would prefer to see Núñez given one more season to explode under Slot's attacking philosophy. In short, this story is far from over, and Liverpool's next moves in the window will be watched intensely.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool open talks to sign Hugo Ekitike after Alexander Isak transfer response
Liverpool are still hopeful of making a new attacking signing despite already spending more than £170m and want Alexander Isak from Newcastle, but the Magpies are reluctant to lose their star man Liverpool have approached Eintracht Frankfurt over signing Hugo Ekitike as an alternative if they can't land Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. The Reds have already had a busy transfer window so far after bringing in full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, plus highly-rated playmaker Florian Wirtz for £116.5million. But Arne Slot's side aren't finished there and want a new striker to be brought in to play with the likes of Mohamed Salah, challenging Luis Diaz for a place up front. Isak appears to be Liverpool's No.1 target this summer but a deal looks difficult to get done, with Newcastle set to demand more than £125m for their star man - so they are now said to be looking at Ekitike as a back-up option. According to the Athletic, Liverpool have made contact with Frankfurt, but it won't be simple for the Reds to get the Frenchman either. Interestingly enough, Newcastle are also chasing Ekitike and have already had a £70m bid for the striker turned down by Frankfurt, who are said to want £85m. The Magpies want the hitman to play alongside Isak - having failed to snap him up in 2022. At that point he opted to join PSG, but struggled to get game time for the French club as he scored a total of just four goals in the 2022-23 season. After being loaned to Frankfurt in 2024, his move was eventually turned permanent and he managed to smash in 22 goals from 48 appearances in all competitions last season. It comes at a time where Liverpool are dealing with possible outgoings. Darwin Nunez has been strongly linked with an exit after links to Napoli. There have also been reports AC Milan have launched a £52m bid for the Uruguayan, who struggled for game time under Slot last season. Liverpool have also had to fend off interest in Luis Diaz from Bayern Munich. The German club had a £58.6m bid rejected for the Colombian forward, with Liverpool insisting the player was not for sale. Liverpool value the player closer to £87m after he helped the Reds win the title last season with 17 goals.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Alexander Isak could be denied two dream Liverpool shirt numbers by struggling pair
Alexander Isak is being targeted by Liverpool this summer, and if he were to join the Reds then there are couple of currently filled shirt numbers he could he eyeing up As far as bold transfer window moves go, Liverpool's move for Alexander Isak is right up there. The Reds have expressed their desire to bring Newcastle's top scorer to Anfield in a £120million deal, and while they know the Magpies don't want to sell their prized asset, all eyes are now on Isak to see how he responds to the idea of joining the champions. If he's up for it, then he's likely to make it clear to his club that he wants to make the switch. Newcastle won't take kindly to that of course, but they will have to consider their next move carefully if that was the case. Unfortunately for them, Liverpool appear to have blocked that route too. The Magpies have had a bid rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for their forward Hugo Ekitike, a player who is also being monitored by the Reds, who reportedly made an approach for him on Wednesday. If the Isak deal can't be done then Ekitike would appear to be top of Liverpool's list as an alternative, with the Reds effectively calling Newcastle's bluff over the message that they want to have both forwards on their books. It is all set up for a fascinating few days in the transfer window, and should Isak arrive at Anfield then he would do so as the club's record signing, quickly replacing June arrival Florian Wirtz. And as with Wirtz - who is donning a temporary shirt number during pre-season, along with the other five new arrivals this summer - there is sure to be plenty of attention on the number that Isak wears on his back. The 25-year-old sports the No.14 shirt for Newcastle, which at Liverpool currently belongs to Federico Chiesa following his arrival from Juventus last summer. The Italian has underwhelmed during his time on Merseyside and is said to be open to a switch back to Italy in order to resurrect a career which has been railroaded by injuries. If he did go, then the No.14 could be available for Isak. Far more likely, however, if that Isak would take the No.9 shirt once Darwin Nunez departs Liverpool this summer. The Uruguayan has seen a potential route to an exit blocked after Napoli pulled out of a deal, but he is expected to bring an end to his three seasons on Merseyside - two of which have been in the No.9 shirt, with one wearing No.27 - in the coming weeks.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
19-year-old forward now OPEN to £25m deal
Liverpool are in the middle of a restructuring of their frontline. First off, the future of Darwin Nunez will need to be sorted out soon. With teams in Saudi Arabia chasing the Uruguayan, the proceeds of any potential sale could be very useful when it comes to funding a replacement forward. Advertisement Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are the two looming into focus - with one or the other now expected at Anfield before the summer transfer window ends. But there is further scrutiny with Luis Diaz and Federico Chiesa reportedly among the candidates who could leave. Both played their part in the Premier League title win last season - although Diaz had a much bigger and more significant role. Ben Doak worth at least £25m Together they could earn the club close to £100m - very useful money when it comes to conducting another assault in the market. Liverpool also have the option to cash in their £25m chip in Ben Doak. The 19-year-old was the subject of transfer interest from Ipswich and Crystal Palace in January but neither attempt reached the asking price. Advertisement But now it has emerged that the Scotland international is WILLING to leave the club this summer. Premier League suitors are queuing up for the wide man - who succeeded on loan at Middlesbrough last season. Forest and PSV join the Doak chase The Express has named Nottingham Forest as interested - with the Tricky Trees requiring a replacement for £55m Anthony Elanga, who has joined Newcastle. 'With a vacancy open on the right wing, bosses at the City Ground have identified Doak as one of the options to fill it,' the report reads. Forest join the likes of Bournemouth and Everton on the list of possible destinations for Doak - but the Express has ALSO named overseas parties in PSV and potentially interested teams in LaLiga.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool told final Darwin Nunez transfer decision as manager green lights move
Darwin Nunez's move to Napoli is off and Antonio Conte is set to welcome another target, Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca, as a cheaper alternative to the Liverpool star Liverpool will have to find a new buyer for Darwin Nunez after Napoli pulled the plug on negotiations. Nunez, 26, was ready to swap Merseyside for Naples after three difficult seasons at Anfield. The Uruguayan has failed to live up to his £85million price tag, scoring 40 goals in 143 games since joining from Benfica in 2022. Liverpool's addition of Florian Wirtz, who can play as a centre forward, for £116m plus their ambitious pursuit of Alexander Isak has signalled that Arne Slot is looking to upgrade on Nunez for the upcoming season. Napoli were favourites to sign the striker but Liverpool's demands have seen them turn to a cheaper alternative. The Premier League champions had set their asking price at £70m whereas Napoli were only willing to pay £50m for Nunez. Instead, the Serie A title winners are set to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese. The 24-year-old will join Napoli on a season-long loan for £8.2m with an obligation to buy worth £22.5m, with reports indicating that boss Antonio Conte is a big fan of Lucca and has green-lit the move. Nunez could still find a way out, though, with clubs in Saudi Arabia pushing for his services. It's been claimed that new Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi has identified the former Benfica star as a target if they fail to sign Victor Osimhen, who's on loan from Napoli but hasn't reported for pre-season training. Liverpool will be cautious of leaving themselves short in attack, however. Bayern Munich recently made a bid for Luis Diaz, who's also wanted by Barcelona, while the tragic death of Diogo Jota will also have sporting repercussions. Nunez last started a competitive match for the Reds on March 8, scoring in a 3-1 win at home to bottom-of-the-table Southampton. The Uruguay international also got on the scoresheet when Liverpool faced Preston North End in their first pre-season friendly on Sunday, another 3-1 victory. Should Liverpool sell Darwin Nunez? Have your say in the comments section. Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes that it's time to move on, though. "The problem with Darwin Nunez is that he misses too many chances. "I think it's got to the point where Arne Slot has lost confidence in him. I think the best thing for Nunez would be to move on from Liverpool, but it won't be easy because he'll be expensive." Babbel, speaking to Adventure Gamers, added: "I think Serie A or La Liga would be fantastic leagues for him, because the defending isn't the best in Italy and Spain - especially in Spain! If you're a striker, then it's much easier to score goals in those countries. "You look at Romelu Lukaku at Napoli – he was at rock bottom at Chelsea, but Conte brought him back to Serie A, and he looks back to his best. Maybe if Darwin Nunez moved to Italy or Spain, it would be easier for him to get back to his best." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
