Liverpool have announced the stunning capture of Darwin Nunez from Benfica.
The Reds have seen off competition from a host of rivals to sign one of Europe's most in-demand strikers send a statement at the beginning of the summer transfer window. The Merseyside club had submitted an official offer for Uruguay international Nunez on Wednesday afternoon after holding exploratory talks with the Portuguese club earlier that day, with talks ramping up over the weekend.
Benfica confirmed that the successful bid was worth an initial £64m, and the deal includes add-ons based on appearances and performance that could take it up to £85m.
This means Nunez would become Liverpool's club-record signing if he is a hit at Anfield, as the total fee could surpass the £75million paid to bring in Virgil van Dijk from Southampton four-and-a-half years ago. Regardless of add-ons, Nunez, who turns 23 later this month, immediately slots in just behind Van Dijk and Alisson (£66m) as the third most expensive acquisition in Liverpool's 130-year history.
The prolific marksman scored 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions for Benfica this season and has signed a six-year contract with Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp got a good look at Nunez - who was also a target for Atletico Madrid - during the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this year. The player scored in either leg as the Lisbon-based club were knocked out with a 6-4 aggregate defeat.
He will become Liverpool's second signing of the summer after they secured the services of Fabio Carvalho on a free transfer from Fulham. The 19-year-old playmaker penned a five-year contract with the Reds after they agreed a compensation package with the Cottagers which could one day exceed £7million.
Carvalho ended the season with 11 goals and eight assists for Fulham, helping them storm to the Championship title and secure a return to the Premier League. He may not be the only teenager on his way to Anfield this summer, as Liverpool are also heavily linked with 18-year-old defender Calvin Ramsay.
How many goals will Darwin Nunez score next season? Have your say in the comments!
The Scotland Under-21 international made 33 appearances for Aberdeen this season and chipped in with an eye-catching nine assists. A natural right-back, he would provide back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold if the Reds are able to prise him from the Scottish Premiership club for a fee in the region of £4million.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have tied down James Milner to a one-year contract extension while Loris Karius and Divock Origi will depart when their contracts expire at the end of June. The big-money purchase of Nunez comes at a time of upheaval in the Liverpool attack as Sadio Mane is pushing to leave Liverpool this summer - Bayern Munich have failed with two bids for the Senegal forward - and Mohamed Salah is also out of contract next year.
