Darwin Nunez linked with shock move to Champions League giants

Barcelona are eyeing a shock move for Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez this summer, according to reports.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan international completed a £72million move to Anfield in 2022, in the same transfer window that saw Erling Haaland arrive in the Premier League with Manchester City.

Despite showing promising signs in red, he has failed to have the same impact as the Norwegian goal machine - which would be hard for any forward to replicate.

Across his 62 appearances in the top flight of English football, Nunez has tallied 20 goals and added a further 11 assists. A solid return for the investment in the player, which has now sparked the interest of Barcelona in La Liga.

According to The Sun, the Catalan club is now plotting a move for Nunez in the summer transfer window as they search for a successor to legendary Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

Since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2022 for around £42.5m, the 35-year-old has remained one of the top earners at the club. Lewandowski has two years left on his deal and the club will now look to offload his salary after the 2023/24 season.

Barcelona reportedly believe Nunez is capable of replacing Lewandowski as the starting number nine in Xavi's squad next season, after the former midfielder reversed his decision to leave the club and will now continue as head coach.

Nunez is one of the top earners at Liverpool - on around £140,000-per-week - but this would still be significantly less than Lewandowski's deal amid the financial trouble Barcelona is currently dealing with.

Darwin Nunez cuts a dejected figure during Everton vs. Liverpool. Image: Getty

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher gave an honest assessment of Nunez recently, where he said: "I think I'm at the stage with Nunez now where I don't think there is a question to ask.

"He gives it everything, he runs, he causes trouble, he gets the odd goal and assist, but after two years, with Liverpool this season going for the title and those big games, you need him to score at Old Trafford, Goodison, at Atalanta.

"This is not October or November, this is the business end of the title race.

"We've all been in squads where first year we say he needs to get to speed, but you're looking at it now, I don't think there will be a massive improvement. I think after two years we've seen what he is, he can cause trouble and be erratic with his finishing

"I don't think it's enough to win the biggest trophies, so I think there's a big decision to be made on him."