Darwin Núñez has arrived at Liverpool’s training ground ahead of his £85 million move from Benfica.
The Uruguayan was transported from John Lennon Airport to Melwood earlier today after starting his medical in Madrid yesterday. The latter stages of these medical tests were completed this morning at the Reds’ training complex.
Núñez is now just a signature away from completing a move that will make him the club’s most expensive player of all time, with a deal being agreed between Liverpool and the Portuguese giants worth up to £85 million if performance related add-ons are met.
After putting pen to paper and conducting media duties, the transfer will be sealed and an official announcement could come as early as later today.
The 22-year-old experienced a breakout campaign for Benfica in the 2021/22 season, scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, including 26 in 28 in Primeira Liga and six in the Champions League.
This electric season sparked interest from a host of European clubs, including Liverpool’s North West rivals Manchester United. Despite United supposedly indicating huge interest in Núñez, the Anfield side were able to offer Champions League football and the allure of playing under Jürgen Klopp, the two factors that are said to have swayed the forward’s decision.
Klopp is believed to have been a huge admirer of his new marquee signing ever since he witnessed the player score in both legs of Liverpool’s quarter-final tie with Benfica last season.
Núñez’s pace, physical stature and brilliant off-the-ball movement make him a slightly different profile to some of the attacker’s currently at the German boss’ disposal, but Klopp believes he is the perfect replacement for the set to depart Sadio Mane.
However, with Mane leaving, Divock Origi on his way to AC Milan and Takumi Minamino on his way out, Liverpool will still feel they need to further bolster their attacking options.
Attention may turn to Leeds’ Raphinha once the Núñez deal is done.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Benfica, Premier League, Champions League, Jurgen Klopp
