Liverpool are on the verge of signing Benfica forward Darwin Nunez in a £64 million move that is likely to end their interest in Raphinha. The Uruguayan finisher looks set to sign a six-year deal, according to the Sunday Times , after scoring 34 goals in 41 games across all competitions.
Jurgen Klopp had shown interest in Raphinha as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, should the Senegal international depart for Bayern Munich this summer, and was willing to use Takumi Minamino as leverage in a potential deal. But the Brazilian has cited guaranteed playing time - which he is unlikely to get at Anfield - as a major deciding factor ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year, and has seemingly set his sights on a move to Barcelona instead.
But now Liverpool’s signing of Benfica striker Nunez has quashed any remaining possibility of a move for the Whites man. Despite the two being different players entirely, Klopp and his team were looking for one marquee forward to refresh the forward line and add goals - they lack the financial freedom of the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea, tending to bring in only one big-money signing per window.
