Liverpool target Darwin Nunez has been hailed as an ideal option for Jurgen Klopp’s side by defender Virgil Van Dijk.
The Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the Merseyside club this summer, and amidst rumours that Sadio Mane is closing in on a move to Bayern Munich, Nunez has been touted as a potential replacement for the former Southampton man.
Klopp witnessed the 22-year-old’s talents in this season’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Benfica, in which the starlet netted in both legs.
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Despite the English side running out 6-4 winners on aggregate in the tie, Van Dijk was impressed with Nunez and his physical attributes.
“I’ve played against Sergio Aguero, who was obviously unbelievable. (Lionel) Messi, arguably the best player in the history of football, in my opinion,” the Dutchman told Rio Ferdinand prior to the Champions League final last month.
“(Kylian) Mbappe is different, quick… (Erling) Haaland, also Darwin (Nunez). He's a bit similar, very direct and quick, tall and strong. It’s quite difficult to play against those guys.”
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Comparisons to Manchester City’s new frontman will only increase the eagerness for Reds fans to see this move happen, but rivals Manchester United are supposedly the frontrunners at this moment.
The fee said to be sufficient to prize Nunez away from Benfica is believed to be in the region of £85 million, and Liverpool are supposedly reluctant to splash this sort of money on him. Newcastle are also understood to be interested.
The 11-time capped Uruguayan international had a phenomenal campaign in Portugal, scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. This includes 6 goals in 10 Champions League appearances, so the pedigree is there and explains the substantial interest in him.
Topics: Benfica, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Alfie Culshaw