Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer after three seasons with the club, with Hugo Ekitike’s arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt imminent
Liverpool Open to Nunez Exit on Loan-to-Buy Deal
Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool might be coming to an end, with the club now reportedly open to letting him leave on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy. According to Football Italia, the 26-year-old striker is no longer in Arne Slot’s plans as the Reds prepare for a new era with Hugo Ekitike set to lead the line next season.
A move to Napoli looked likely earlier in the summer, but the Serie A champions pivoted and signed Lorenzo Lucca instead. Now, Juventus has entered the picture and is keeping close tabs on the Uruguayan as a possible Plan B to Randal Kolo Muani, who spent the second half of last season on loan from PSG.
Juve Weighing Their Options
Juventus is reportedly having trouble agreeing terms with PSG over a return for Kolo Muani. That’s opened the door for Nunez to emerge as a potential replacement. Liverpool are said to want around $70 million for the striker, but a structured deal—initial loan with a buy clause—could be enough to get it done.
With Dusan Vlahovic still on Juve’s books, they are in no rush, but Nunez remains a name on their shortlist if their other options fall through.
Interest From Spain and Saudi Arabia
Nunez has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and clubs in Saudi Arabia, though nothing concrete has materialized yet. Despite all the speculation, the forward reminded everyone of his quality by netting a hat-trick in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Stoke City in a behind-closed-doors friendly last weekend.
He was also part of the 29-man squad that flew out to Hong Kong, where Liverpool will face AC Milan, before taking on Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan. Those matches could be his final appearances in red, depending on how talks progress over the next few weeks.
Uncertain Futures for Others
Nunez isn’t the only big name facing an uncertain future at Anfield. Luis Diaz is being seriously targeted by Bayern Munich, while Federico Chiesa’s situation remains unclear after being omitted from the squad, sparking speculation of a possible departure.
Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott is considering his next move after a frustrating season where he only started two league games—and both came after Liverpool had already secured the title. With minutes hard to come by and Slot reshaping the squad, exits could come fast if the right offers land.