Liverpool make damning Darwin Nunez decision after transfer U-turn
Darwin Nunez looks likely to leave Liverpool this summer, with reigning Serie A champions Napoli interested in bringing the striker to Naples to provide support for Romelu Lukaku
Liverpool have reportedly lowered their asking price for Darwin Nunez, with the Reds keen to quickly seal the forward's exit. Liverpool broke their transfer record when they forked out around £85million to sign Nunez from Benfica back in 2022.
However, he has struggled for game time under Arne Slot, with the Uruguay international making just eight Premier League starts last season. He also struggled in front of goal, netting just seven times in 47 appearances across all competitions.
And Slot publicly criticised Nunez's attitude and work-rate after a disappointing miss against Aston Villa in February. "For the second time in a row I wasn't happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa," Slot said at the time.
"I always try to be honest with my players and be honest as I can to you guys as well where I always try to protect my players so I don't say he never worked hard. I know him differently. I know him at Villa at home where he made a 100 metre sprint and scored a goal, I know him when he came on at City at home and was pressing really aggressively and wins the ball back and we score.
"But I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once but twice was a bit too much."
As a result, Nunez has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer and reports from Italy claim that Liverpool are willing to accept offers of around €50m (£42.7m) plus add-ons for the striker.
Liverpool did reject an approach from Al-Nassr in the January transfer window, despite the Saudi Pro League side being willing to pay around £70m for Nunez. The report adds that Napoli have already made an offer worth around €43m (£37m) and are hoping to conclude a deal soon.
Napoli claimed their fourth Serie A title under Antonio Conte last season and are moving to strengthen their squad ahead of their defence, having already signed Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer from Manchester City.
Romelu Lukaku was their leading goalscorer last season, netting 14 league goals in 36 games, and Napoli are keen to take some of the burden off the former Chelsea and Manchester United striker.
Victor Osimhen is expected to be sold by Napoli this summer, having spent last season out on loan at Galatasaray. The Turkish side are hoping to sign him permanently, but Manchester United have also been linked with the 26-year-old.
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