Scott McTominay is looking increasingly closer to being reunited with a former rival at Napoli who once made him 'lose his head' during a heated Premier League clash.
The Scottish midfielder ended his stint at Manchester United in the summer of 2024 as Napoli came calling with a €30 million (£25.5 million) deal that MUFC couldn't turn down for someone who was, at the time, a squad player to them with great value on the books as a homegrown academy player.
Since his move to Naples, the 28-year-old has managed to rejuvenate his career and become one of the best midfielders in Serie A. Under the leadership of Antonio Conte, McTominay excelled and found a proper role, scoring 13 goals and assisting four times in all competitions.
His goal scoring was something that was appreciated by everyone, but he also scored important goals, including scoring a bicycle kick on the final day as Napoli beat Cagliari to win the title by just one point.
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His brilliance in midfield helped him earn Serie A's Most Valuable Player award.
Darwin Nunez, Napoli, and McTominay
With Napoli already having shown their desire of competing for trophies next season as well after signing Kevin De Bruyne, it has now emerged that Liverpool's Darwin Nunez could join him Napoli, according to reports in recent weeks.
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The latest on Nunez from 23 June was issued by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who posted: "Understand Darwin Núñez has given his initial green light to Napoli, open to the move after being presented Conte’s project.
"Deal now depends on financial feasibility as Liverpool want important transfer fee and salary will also be key topic."
McTominay is well versed with the Uruguayan as he played against him several times during his time with United. Despite a mixed Premier League career so far, Nunez is one of the most fiery competitors and does not back down from anyone.
The striker got the last laugh over McTominay including when his Liverpool side beat United 7-0, where Nunez scored a brace. McTominay did not start for United, but came on later in the second half. He had no impact, but the same could not be said about Nunez.
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The pacy striker made things worse for United and did a phenomenal job in helping his side get a famous victory.
Then-United coach Erik Ten Hag was not happy with his sides performance and he expressed that in the post-game press conference.
Ten Hag said: "We didn't stick to the plan, we lose our heads. We didn't do our jobs. We didn't track back and it was really unprofessional."
What is happening with Nunez?
Nunez joined Liverpool in 2022 for a then club-record £85 million, with the signing of Florian Wirtz has since eclipsed that mark. He came in with a lot of promise, but in three seasons Nunez has not done enough to believe that he can be a starter for the Reds.
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Although he has 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 games, his finishing has often frustrated supporters. Nunez has been on the transfer market since the winter window with a lot of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano previously said: "Darwin Nunez remains guaranteed exit at Liverpool this summer with Saudi Pro League clubs keen since January.
"Understand also Napoli have made contact in the recent days with Nunez on the shortlist and more talks to follow soon. Darwin, open to both Saudi-European options."
He has certainly not had the best of seasons with Liverpool despite their Premier League title win, but a new location could rejuvenate his career and bring out the potential.
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Antonio Conte was able to win the Scudetto with McTominay, whose career has taken off since his move to Italy.
Nunez is on a similar trajectory as he has a lot of talent but just needs to be in the right team to excel.
Topics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Man Utd, Manchester United, Napoli, Scott Mctominay, Serie A, Transfers, Transfer News, Football
James Taylor