While Liverpool continues its celebrations after being crowned Premier League champions, thoughts will soon be turning to the defense of the title – but some players may not be around for it next season.
The Reds are of course in party mode after wrapping up the title on Sunday, with the 5-1 win over Tottenham ensuring that they can’t be caught with four games still left in the season. Having secured its 20th league title, Liverpool now draws level with rival Manchester United, leaving no doubt now as to who the most successful team is in England.
Some players may well be making the most of the celebrations in the knowledge that their time at the club could be coming to an end. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was seen having a lengthy chat with Liverpool owner John Henry on the pitch, is of course the biggest name set for a departure as his contract continues to tick down, and a move to Real Madrid looks to be in the offing.
Other players could be following him out of the exit door though, and Darwin Nunez certainly looks to be among the most likely. The Uruguayan raised eyebrows on the eve of the Tottenham game with a seemingly deleted message on social media that looked to be criticizing the club, just hours after Arne Slot dismissed reports suggesting he wasn’t starting the striker for financial reasons.
Nevertheless, after three seasons at Anfield, it seems probable that Nunez will move on this summer, and he might already have a destination in mind. According to reports in Spain, a move to Atletico Madrid might well be in his near future.
(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
AS reports that Diego Simeone’s side is looking for a new striker, with Nunez touted as the ideal solution. It’s claimed that Liverpool has already told the 25-year-old it will not continue with him next season, with the search for a replacement already underway, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko being looked at.
It’s also suggested that Nunez “wouldn’t mind” a move to Atletico, and isn’t thinking about a move to Saudi Arabia for now, despite Al-Nassr making a bid for him in January. A move to Madrid though would depend on Liverpool’s price tag.
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The Reds want to recoup some of the fee they paid to Benfica back in 2022, although it’s said they could be open to letting him go out on loan, as long as the interested club covers his salary and includes an option to buy. It’s suggested that, with that in mind, Liverpool hopes to raise between $46 million and $51 million.
Interestingly, Atletico is not the only team mentioned in the report. It’s also claimed that Nottingham Forest wants Nunez, especially if it manages to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Liverpool.com says: Ideally, Liverpool will get a fee for Nunez this summer, rather than kicking the can down the road with a loan move. It’s pretty clear that the Reds need to move on from him and get an upgrade in the No.9 role, and even if they have to take a hit on what they paid Benfica, having some money to go toward a new signing will help.
