Juventus move shakes things up Nunez’s path opens

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez looks increasingly likely to leave Anfield this summer following a shift in transfer dynamics involving Serie A giants Juventus.

Under contract until 2028, the Uruguayan forward appears to have fallen out of favour with new head coach Arne Slot, having scored just five Premier League goals last season and losing his starting place in the second half of the campaign.

Liverpool are actively exploring options to reinforce their forward line and have made Alexander Isak their primary target.

However, the £150 million valuation of the Swedish international could require significant outgoings to fund.

As a result, Nunez  valued at around £70 million  is seen as one of the players who could generate major revenue, following the high-profile departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-2 during the pre-season friendly match between Preston North End and Liverpool

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who previously made an approach in January, have returned with renewed interest. However, Nunez is understood to prefer a move within Europe.

Earlier talks with Atletico Madrid and Napoli failed to materialize into formal bids, leaving Nunez’s camp looking for viable alternatives at the top level.

That opportunity may now come via Juventus, whose plans to secure Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly stalled.

The French club are said to be pushing for a permanent sale, while Juve had hoped to negotiate a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

With Kolo Muani potentially heading to the Premier League with Tottenham keeping a close eye on the situation  Juventus may be forced to activate their contingency plan: Darwin Nunez.

Sources suggest that Nunez has long been on Juventus’s shortlist as a secondary option to Kolo Muani. Should the Italian club shift focus, a bid for the Liverpool No.9 could follow swiftly.

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F

The Italian side may also prefer a structured deal to accommodate financial constraints  possibly a loan with an option or obligation to buy  though Liverpool are believed to favour a straight sale.

With Liverpool’s pre-season entering its final stages and the transfer window gathering pace, the next few weeks will be pivotal for Nunez’s future.

The striker may finally get his European switch  if Juventus are ready to move.