Liverpool have been assured that signing Benfica hotshot Darwin Nunez is "low-risk" despite the severe worries of fierce rivals Manchester United.
The Reds are closing in on the signing of the Uruguay international, with an €80million (£68.m) up-front fee with added bonuses mooted by the Portuguese press. Liverpool were not the only side interested in making a move for Nunez this summer, though, after his impressive, 34-goal season.
United were monitoring the striker with a view to bolstering their attacking options ahead of Erik ten Hag’s debut season in-charge at Old Trafford. However, the Red Devils have made the decision to move on from Nunez due to fears they may over-pay for the in-demand frontman.
Almeria sporting director Joao Goncalves has attempted to allay those fears having seen Nunez up close and personal during his time with Spanish club before his switch to Benfica back in 2020. Speaking to Radio Renascença show Bola Branca, he said: “I understand your fears, but believe me it’s a low-risk operation.
“If nothing strange happened, the player would be sold at least two or three times as much. I’m pleased that things are heading in that direction.”
Despite Liverpool appearing to be close to striking a deal for Nunez, there will be some concern over his ability to adapt to the infamous intensity of the Premier League. However, Goncalves has declared that the striker will not need time and could take to English football like a duck to water.
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He continued: “He won’t have any adaptation problem. Darwin is humble, has talent, a winner’s mentality and a great capacity for work.”
If that is indeed the case, Liverpool will certainly be relieved. Should Nunez complete a switch to Anfield, he would take on a prominent role in the Reds’ attack. Current forward Sadio Mane has been linked with a switch to Bayern Munich having expressed his desire to leave Anfield, with just a year remaining on his contract.
Nunez, for his part, has already had joy on Merseyside during his fledgling career. The 22-year-old found the net during each leg of Benfica’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp praised Nunez for his performances, saying: “[He’s] Really good, really good. I knew it before but he played pretty much in front of me. Physically strong, quick, was calm with his finish. Really good. If he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”
