It was true that Liverpool FC were keeping tabs on the highly-rated Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. But their big-money bid on him was unexpected, and it was a shock for many Kopites.
Liverpool have offered 68 million pounds up front, rising to 85 million pounds with add-ons for Darwin Nunez, according to reports.
If this is correct, this transfer will make Nunez Liverpool’s most expensive transfer move ahead of Virgil van Dijk‘s 84.5 million euros deal in 2018.
It appears the SL Benfica star is edging closer to a move to Anfield, as Liverpool have now agreed on a transfer fee with Benfica over the sale of the talented forward.
The young Uruguayan attacking sensation may also take the second spot in Benfica’s all-time sales, only behind Joao Felix, who had joined Atletico Madrid for a fee of around 120 million euros.
A centre forward by trade, Nunez is capable of operating out wide if necessary. He brings pace and dynamism to the table for Liverpool, while the youngster has shown a prolific form in front of form this past season, notably banging in 26 goals in the league while six others were scored in the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester United, preparing a package of around 105 million euros, were the other club keen on securing the services of the 22-year-old. But the player is keen on working under Jurgen Klopp and becoming a part of Liverpool’s success in the years to come. Regular Champions League football also played a crucial role in his decision.
Some sources even suggest Nunez has agreed on personal terms with Liverpool. And with the Reds now reaching an agreement with SL Benfica over the transfer fees, it could only be a matter of time before the two parties complete the deal. The announcement, though, is unlikely to be made before the departure of Sadio Mane.
Jose Gomes, Nunez’s manager at Almeria, reckons the player would be a huge success at Liverpool.
He told the Portuguese media: “Physically very powerful and with tremendous potential. He is an athlete of 1.90 metres and with tremendous speed.
“The speed he has allows the team where he plays to reach the opposing goal very easily. Not only for the coach (Klopp) himself, who is a motivator and an enthusiast, but also for the style of play he advocates.
“Klopp likes to play looking for spaces in the back of the opposing defensive lines, which means that we can say that Darwin will feel like a fish in water. Speed and quick attacks are characteristics that he favours. He will certainly succeed at Liverpool.”
