Liverpool are on the hunt for a new centre forward, which spells bad news for Darwin Nunez, whose time at Anfield looks to be up after three underwhelming seasons
Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool future is hanging in the balance with the club actively exploring moves for two centre forwards ahead of the summer transfer window. Since arriving from Benfica in a high-profile £85million deal three years ago, the Uruguayan has struggled to live up to expectations, netting just 40 goals in 139 appearances.
This season has been particularly disappointing, with Nunez scoring just seven times in all competitions. He’s also seen his game-time slashed by new manager Arne Slot, who’s handed him a mere eight Premier League starts so far.
With Liverpool keen to bolster their attacking options, a new striker is believed to be high on their shopping list. And if one arrives, Nunez is expected to make way for him.
Alexander Isak remains the dream target, but prying the superstar Swede from Newcastle’s grasp will be easier said than done, with reports suggesting the Magpies will demand upwards of £150m for him. As a result, Liverpool are evaluating alternative options, including Lille’s Jonathan David and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
David, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is available on a free transfer. The 25-year-old Canadian international has quietly become one of Ligue 1’s most reliable goalscorers and is on the brink of registering a third consecutive 26-goal season.
His availability has sparked interest across Europe. Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all reportedly monitoring his situation, while Serie A champions Inter Milan have already tabled a lucrative offer worth just over £5m per year (around £96,000 per week). Still, Liverpool remain well-positioned to make a move for the player, whose lightning pace has proven to be one heck of a weapon.
Another name on Liverpool’s radar is Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old France U21 international has enjoyed a breakout season in Germany, scoring 22 goals – 15 of them in the Bundesliga – trailing only Harry Kane, Patrick Schick, and Serhou Guirassy.
Ekitike has drawn comparisons to Kylian Mbappe for his pace, technical ability, and physical presence. Standing at 6ft 2in, he offers a potent blend of speed and strength. However, with his Frankfurt contract running until 2029, he won’t come cheap, with an estimated price tag north of £77m.
With just over a month to go before the transfer window opens, Liverpool have time to strategise. The club have already eased some of the squad-building pressure by tying down both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to new contracts, meaning funds previously earmarked for their replacements are now available for reinvestment elsewhere.
After bringing in just one senior player – Federico Chiesa – this season, the Reds are likely to be active over the summer. With Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to join Real Madrid, a new right-back will be a priority, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is believed to be the top target on the left.
The club are also in the market for a new centre back, with Kerkez’s Cherries team-mate Dean Huijsen, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi being considered. Additions could be made in midfield and in wide, attacking areas too, depending on any departures.
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