Latest news with #ex-Benfica
Metro
25-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Hamann says Liverpool star could be 'biggest transfer mistake in club's history
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes Darwin Nunez could be the 'biggest transfer mistake' the club have made in their entire history. Nunez joined Liverpool for a club-record fee of £85million back in 2022, with the ex-Benfica striker putting pen to paper on a six-year contract at Anfield. But in between occasional flashes of brilliance, Nunez has badly struggled to live up to that price tag and managed a total of just five goals across the Reds' Premier League title-winning campaign this term. As a result, Nunez is deemed surplus to requirements on Merseyside – and the Uruguay international is expected to leave when the summer transfer window opens for business. Reports emanating out of Spain last week claimed Nunez had held talks with Atletico Madrid and the a verbal agreed had been reached over a proposed switch to the Spanish capital. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Atleti are yet to negotiate a fee for Nunez, though, and the La Liga giants may have to fend off interest from the Saudi Pro League to capture the 25-year-old. 'Is Darwin Nunez the biggest transfer mistake in Liverpool's history? Maybe, it's just part of the game,' Hamann told Betting Lounge. 'When you bring players in, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. 'People probably thought, myself included, if you bring somebody in for £85million, it guarantees you goals, but looking back it wasn't money well spent. 'Now you need to see how much you recoup. Maybe one of the Saudi clubs comes and you get your money back.' 'The other thing is, we shouldn't forget that he's been part of a title winning side. He played his part as much as everybody else.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Hamann says it is a 'very good sign' that Liverpool have still managed to be successful despite spending top dollar on an signing that has not worked. 'He was part of the team. He contributed maybe not as much as others, but sometimes it's easier to swallow when you bring a player in like him, when the team is still successful regardless,' he added. 'I think it's a very good sign for the state Liverpool is in at the moment to bring in a forward in for a lot of money and he doesn't score many goals, but you're still winning.' Liverpool have reportedly won the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz this summer. But the Reds are also believed to be in talks over a possible bid for Christopher Nkunku, despite the torrid time the Frenchman has endured at Chelsea. 'You've got to feel for him because picked up a bad injury, he did his ligament when he came to Chelsea,' Hamann said of Nkunku. 'Obviously he's a brilliant player. That's why he's been at the top level for some time. Injury can obviously play a part because he was just full of confidence before that. 'I think he tried things which he never really thought they're not going to come off and confidence is a big thing. 'With Nkunku, if the knee doesn't bother him, and obviously you've got to do a medical when you come to a club, I think he's a player who can really go places if he goes somewhere else.' More Trending According to Hamann, Nkunku is more than capable of scoring 25 goals a season if he finds a team that suits his strengths. 'If he went to a club where he was the main man then he could score 25 goals a season. I think he could go places because he's a fantastic player,' the 2005 Champions League winner added. 'From what I've seen in the Bundesliga the last few seasons, I've rarely seen a player that excited me more than him. It's a shame it hasn't worked out, as I said. The injury didn't help. 'It'll be interesting to see what's going to happen because I think he's a fantastic player if you handle him the right way.' Is Nunez Liverpool's worst ever signing? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Jack Grealish next club odds after getting axed from Man City squad MORE: Julian Nagelsmann sends message to Florian Wirtz over Liverpool transfer MORE: Man Utd stars 'beg' teammate to stay and have one big fear if he leaves
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
The 'technically unbelievable' Celtic fringe man who Adam Idah can't stop raving about
Idah has backed his teammate to fill the void left behind by injured Reo Hatate Adam Idah has backed Paulo Bernardo to fill Reo Hatate's boots in this weekend's Scottish Cup Final. Crocked Hatate will miss Saturday's Hampden showpiece after a collision with Pape Habib Gueye in last week's 5-1 rout at Pittodrie. Bernardo was given the nod ahead of Luke McCowan on Trophy Day as the four-in-a-row champions wrapped up the Premiership campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to St Mirren. The ex-Benfica starlet had a major role to play in last year's dramatic win over Rangers as Idah tapped home the Portuguese playmaker's parried shot to become the Cup Final hero. And Idah believes Bernardo is more than capable of stepping in for classy Hatate as Brendan Rodgers' side chase a Treble. He said: "Yes. Paulo's been brilliant. I've said it to anyone who asks me, Paulo's one of the best players in the squad. "He's technically unbelievable. "You see it in training week in, week out. He's a fantastic player but at the same time, no matter who's behind me or who's there, I think I've got as much confidence in everyone. "We've got such a fantastic squad. "Anyone that's playing on the park, I trust and I believe they can create stuff." Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the-minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp, where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool Record Signing Set for Exit as European and Saudi Clubs Circle
Darwin Nunez Facing Anfield Exit Amid Napoli and Saudi Interest Record Signing Falling Short of Expectations When Liverpool spent a club-record £85 million to bring Darwin Nunez to Anfield in the summer of 2022, hopes were high that the explosive Uruguayan would be the next talismanic figure leading the line. Yet nearly two seasons on, and with just seven goals and seven assists in 45 appearances this campaign, Nunez's Liverpool story appears to be reaching its conclusion. Advertisement The 25-year-old, once seen as a central attacking force under Jürgen Klopp, has found himself increasingly marginalised in Arne Slot's setup. Now more a fringe figure than a focal point, the ex-Benfica forward is reportedly drawing serious attention from overseas – with both Napoli and the Saudi Pro League plotting summer swoops. Photo IMAGO Napoli Move Gaining Traction According to Calciomercato, via Sport Witness, Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna has made 'more than one contact' with Nunez's representatives. The Serie A side initially viewed the forward as a potential back-up to Lille's Jonathan David, but with that move appearing less likely, Nunez has become a more serious option. Advertisement While the player is said to be 'intrigued' by Napoli's approach, suggestions are that proposals from the Saudi Pro League are 'more tempting'. Given the financial landscape and the potential salary on offer, it's not difficult to see why that move might appeal. Liverpool Open to Sale or Loan Exit TEAMtalk previously reported that 'Nunez's inconsistency in front of goal has raised questions about his Anfield future, with Liverpool open to selling him.' The club is believed to be considering a loan move with an obligation to buy in 2026. Should such a deal materialise, a permanent exit valued between €40–45m (£34–38m) could be on the cards next year. Nunez's current contract runs until the summer of 2028, but unless form and favour dramatically shift, he may not see out that term on Merseyside. A player once labelled a worthwhile punt now appears destined to become one of Liverpool's costliest misfires in recent memory. Big Decision Looms 'It is said that Nunez has decided to leave Liverpool this summer.' Whether that next chapter lies in Naples or the Middle East, Liverpool look set to make a significant loss. As Anfield continues to evolve under Slot, tough decisions lie ahead – and Nunez's departure may be the first of many.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 landing spots for Darwin Nunez as Liverpool willing to make summer transfer
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has three potential landing spots in the offing if he is to depart the Reds in the summer - with a move to either Italy or Spain a possibility. The Uruguayan striker has experienced a mixed three-year spell on Merseyside after becoming the club's all-time record purchase back in 2019. However, the 25-year-old's mercurial stay at Anfield could well be brought to a close in the upcoming transfer window following a season which has yielded just seven goals in 43 appearances. Overall, the ex-Benfica man has 40 strikes to his name in 139 outings in the red shirt, with observers having oft lambasted his perceived wastefulness in front of goal. The divisive star does not appear to have convinced head coach Arne Slot of his merits either, with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz ahead of him in the center forward pecking order in L4. READ MORE: Jamie Carragher has changed his mind on Liverpool selling $49M Arne Slot star READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news amid 'serious' Rodrygo chance and $100M Juventus swoop The striker was signed during the previous regime under Jurgen Klopp and his successor and sporting director Richard Hughes are expected to be open to letting their No. 9 leave this summer. That is according to the Athletic, who have reported that this current campaign is "set to be his last" at Anfield. They contend that the forward will not be short on potential suitors in the coming months either, with interest in his services set to come from Saudi Arabia. It was previously reported that Pro League outfit Al Nassr had been keeping tabs on Nunez's availability back in January - having been purportedly willing to part with £70m for the player. In terms of interest from European clubs, the above report also claims that the ex-Penarol ace is also being courted by Spanish club Atletico Madrid, alongside Italian giant AC Milan. As for potential replacements at Liverpool if the Uruguayan is to depart, it appears that Newcastle United's Alexander Isak may well be out of financial reach. However, other options do exist on the market such as Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, with both highly-rated following strong respective seasons in Germany. As for Nunez, manager Slot was quick to dash suggestions of a feud between him and the striker recently. Rumors had emerged of a bust-up in training after the star was left out of Liverpool's clash with West Ham last month. However, Slot was quick to dash these whispers, saying: "He didn't feel himself the day before the match, and he went inside and he wasn't able to be part of the team the day after. "That can mean multiple things, yes. He didn't feel himself," he said, before definitively clarifying that no harsh words were exchanged, adding: "No, he didn't. He did leave the pitch because he didn't feel himself. As in he didn't have words with a staff member." As for suggestions that he was not playing Nunez due to a clause in relation to his transfer fee from Benfica three years ago, he also hit back at these claims, saying: "Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither. Sometimes it is better not to believe everything that is written about players. READ MORE: Liverpool's odds to sign Alexander Isak in sensational summer transfer READ MORE: McConnell class, Tsimikas reckless — 7 things we noticed in Liverpool training ahead of Chelsea "[The clause is] completely new to me. The last thing I would expect Richard Hughes [the sporting director] to do is tell me that if I play Nunez it would cost us this much. He would never do that. He never interferes with the line-up." Looking ahead to next season after securing the Premier League title against Spurs, Slot admitted that the carnival-like scenes at Anfield after the triumph was confirmed would likely help to attract new recruits. He said: "It definitely helps, I think, to attract new players as well, because mostly the players that we want to have, we are not the only clubs who think they are good players so these players have probably more options."
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘No point to prove' – Jota insists he is still the same player as he opens up on trying to regain Celtic starting spot
He's responded to fans comparing his current form with his previous spell at the club JOTA ON THE BENCH? 'No point to prove' – Jota insists he is still the same player as he opens up on trying to regain Celtic starting spot JOTA knew he had a battle on his hands to reclaim his spot on the Celtic wing. But the Portuguese flier insists he does NOT have a point to prove on his return to Glasgow. Advertisement 2 Jota celebrates with a young fan who ran on the pitch at Hampden on Sunday Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 He scored the fifth goal against St Johnstone in their Scottish Cup semi Credit: PA After playing a key role in sealing the Treble in 2022-23, the 26-year-old flew the nest to chase riches in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad. Finding only disappointment there, and again with Rennes in France earlier this season, Jota has rediscovered happiness in the Hoops. But it hasn't all been plain sailing. Having spent 18 months scrambling for regular minutes, the forward has had to build his fitness back up again at Lennoxtown since his January return. And that's before battling the likes of Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest for a coveted spot in the first 11. Advertisement He has made just eight starts since his Hoops comeback. And, after being benched for Celtic's last two games, Jota could be forgiven for fearing for his future as a nailed-on starter in Brendan Rodgers' side. But the ex-Benfica academy kid revealed he isn't in a rush to impress as he looks to help the club close in on another Treble. He said: 'There's no point to prove here. 'I'm just enjoying the game, being happy on the pitch. Advertisement 'Every day is a new opportunity to be better and to be happier, so that's what I'm doing. 'I'm feeling very good. I think I needed time to develop my physical ability, because it was a long time without playing. Will Adam Idah still be at Celtic next season after failing to take Kyogo's jersey 'But now I am feeling very good and ready to go stronger.' Jota netted his fifth goal since his return in Sunday's 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final rout of St Johnstone. Advertisement Fresh off the bench, he capitalised on a deep Alistair Johnston cross to squeeze a first-time finish home at the back post. He added: 'It was a good performance from the team and when I got my opportunity, I was there in the right spot. 'Credit to Alistair too because he did an unbelievable job. 'Every little moment is important for me and I am just grateful for living this experience here. Advertisement 'The goal is the cherry on top of the cake for me, but the job is not done yet. You should always give your best and whatever needs to happen will happen naturally. 'So there's no pressure on that. There's the responsibility of being better every day and that's where my aim is.' Jota's most recent switch to the bench has coincided with the latest resurgence of veteran James Forrest. The 33-year-old is on the cusp of becoming the most decorated ever player to wear the Hoops. Advertisement Forrest will go one clear of club icon Bobby Lennox with 26 major trophy triumphs when the Premiership title is eventually clinched. And Jota revealed he is learning every day from his fellow forward, who continues to produce the goods despite his advancing years. When asked about Forrest's impressive longevity, Jota joked: 'Come on, he's not that old — 33 is the new 22! Don't do him like that. 'But yeah, credit to him. James has had an unbelievable career and we're just all grateful to have him on the pitch and on the team. Advertisement 'His record speaks for itself. I think there's not one single person in the locker room who doesn't love James, as a person and a football player. 'So we just try to drink from his wisdom and learn from him and just be a part of his journey. 'There are a lot of good personalities at the club and everyone tries to transmit what the values of Celtic are. 'And James is no different from that. Advertisement 'You can learn a lot from him and I am just grateful that I'm doing this with him again.' Having earned his first Treble at Parkhead under Aussie Ange Postecoglou, Jota is now relishing developing his skills under Rodgers. The former Liverpool and Leicester City gaffer is determined to make history this season by becoming the first Celtic manager to bag three Trebles. Jota could yet play a key role and the winger isn't concerned about fans comparing his current performances to those he produced in his first spell in Scotland. Advertisement Jota said: 'I'm really enjoying it. 'I think Brendan brings a good philosophy to the team. 'I think the structure of Celtic is very well made. 'So then it's just a matter of details and I think he has done a very good job in putting the team together. Advertisement 'He's developing his ideas and we're having a good time. 'Importantly, the core group was still here when I came back. 'I still try to learn from them and whoever comes in new, I try to help and perform with them. 'I think being here for the first time and having lived what I lived, it was really good. Advertisement 'Then performances are a matter of perspective. 'What's the higher level? In the end, it's about all being together and giving the best for Celtic.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
