Four European Clubs Compete for Darwin Nunez as Liverpool’s Arne Slot Eyes Ideal Transfer Replacement

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is increasingly likely to leave Anfield this summer, with four European clubs competing for his signature. The Uruguayan’s future has become one of the most discussed transfer sagas as new manager Arne Slot prepares to reshape the squad he inherited from Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool acquired Darwin Nunez from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial £64 million, potentially rising to a club-record £85 million with add-ons. The forward arrived with enormous expectations after scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances during his final season in Portugal.

However, Nunez’s Liverpool career has been defined by inconsistency. While displaying flashes of brilliance and raw talent, the 25-year-old has struggled to produce consistently at the level expected of such a significant investment. His finishing has regularly been scrutinized, with high-profile misses often overshadowing his impressive athletic attributes.

This season has been particularly challenging under new manager Arne Slot. Nunez has found himself increasingly on the periphery, scoring just seven goals across all competitions—a marked decline from previous campaigns. Sources close to the club suggest he has struggled to adapt to Slot’s more structured tactical approach, which differs significantly from Klopp’s high-intensity, transitional style that initially suited Nunez’s direct running and physical presence.

“Nunez’s decision-making in the final third remains inconsistent,” noted one club insider who spoke on condition of anonymity. “His ability to lead the line as a lone striker hasn’t developed as rapidly as the club had hoped.”

While Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have long been connected with Nunez, domestic interest has intensified recently, presenting the forward with options to remain in the Premier League.

Newcastle United’s interest appears strategically timed and potentially linked to the future of their own Swedish international striker, Alexander Isak. The Magpies, fresh from lifting the Carabao Cup this season under Eddie Howe, view Nunez as a player with considerable untapped potential who could thrive in their system if given consistent playing time and tactical clarity.

Newcastle’s recruitment team believes Nunez’s combination of pace, power, and aerial ability could be better utilized in their attacking setup. Given their financial resources following the Saudi PIF takeover, they could comfortably match Nunez’s current £140,000 weekly salary while offering him a central role in an ambitious project.

More surprisingly, Nottingham Forest have emerged as serious contenders for Nunez’s signature. The former European champions have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Nuno Espirito Santo this season and remain in contention for Champions League qualification—an outcome that would dramatically increase their pulling power in the transfer market.

Despite Chris Wood’s effective performances leading Forest’s attack, Espirito Santo is reportedly keen to add a different profile of striker. Nunez’s physical attributes and direct running style align with the Portuguese manager’s tactical preferences, and Forest’s ownership group has demonstrated willingness to invest substantially when appropriate targets become available.

Forest are also monitoring Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman as alternatives, but sources suggest Nunez remains their priority target should Champions League football be secured.

While Premier League clubs have recently intensified their pursuit, Atletico Madrid remain the most consistent suitors for Nunez. Diego Simeone has identified the Uruguayan as an ideal fit for his evolving tactical approach at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Atletico’s interest dates back to Nunez’s Benfica days, and Simeone has reportedly maintained contact with the player’s representatives throughout his challenging period at Liverpool. The Argentine coach believes he can harness Nunez’s raw attributes in a system that would emphasize his strengths while providing tactical protection for his inconsistencies.

“Simeone sees Nunez as the perfect profile to lead his attack,” revealed a source familiar with Atletico’s recruitment strategy. “He appreciates forwards who combine physicality with direct running and believes Nunez could thrive away from the Premier League’s intense scrutiny.”

The Spanish club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has already initiated preliminary discussions with Liverpool regarding the financial parameters of any potential deal. While Liverpool are unlikely to recoup their full investment, they recognize that a substantial fee could fund reinvestment in areas better aligned with Slot’s vision.

For Nunez, Madrid might offer an appealing opportunity to reset his career while remaining at an elite level. The cultural and linguistic similarities to Uruguay could ease the adaptation process that proved challenging in England.

In a recent development, AS Roma have also expressed interest in Nunez. The Italian club, now managed by Roberto De Zerbi after his impressive tenure at Brighton, are seeking a dynamic central striker to replace the aging Romelu Lukaku, whose loan deal expires this summer.

De Zerbi’s possession-based, attacking philosophy could provide Nunez with the creative support and tactical framework to maximize his strengths. Roma’s technical director has reportedly already contacted Liverpool to understand the conditions of a potential deal, while club owners the Friedkin Group have indicated willingness to make a statement signing.

The Italian capital could offer Nunez a less pressurized environment than Liverpool while still providing elite competition in Serie A and European tournaments. However, matching his current salary might prove challenging for Roma, potentially necessitating a restructured deal with performance-based incentives.

As Liverpool contemplate Nunez’s departure, attention has turned to how Arne Slot intends to reshape his attacking options. The Dutch manager has been methodically assessing the squad he inherited, with specific expectations for his ideal number nine.

“A striker should act as a facilitator—similar to a winger—but still needs to score regularly,” Slot explained in a February interview. “We’re working to build a team where goals can come from anywhere, but the No. 9 especially must deliver both assists and goals.”

This philosophy offers insight into why Nunez may not have fully convinced the new manager. While his work rate and physical presence remain impressive, his technical consistency and decision-making under pressure have fallen short of Slot’s exacting standards.

Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, has already identified potential replacements. The club’s data-driven approach has yielded impressive results in recent years, with several profiles being closely monitored across Europe’s top leagues.

Names linked include Lille’s Jonathan David, whose contract situation makes him an attractive proposition; RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, who combines technical quality with impressive physical attributes; and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, who has drawn comparisons to former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino for his link-up play and tactical intelligence.

“Slot wants a forward who can drop deep, link play, and still find goalscoring positions,” noted one recruitment analyst familiar with Liverpool’s approach. “The profiles they’re considering all share these characteristics, suggesting a clear shift from Nunez’s more direct style.”

Any deal involving Nunez will involve complex financial considerations. Liverpool invested heavily in the Uruguayan and, while recognizing they may need to accept a loss, remain determined to secure a substantial fee that reflects both his potential and age profile.

Industry sources suggest Liverpool would consider offers starting at £55 million (approximately €65 million), representing a moderate loss on their investment but still providing significant funds for reinvestment. The club’s position may be strengthened by competition for his signature, with a bidding war potentially driving the price closer to their original expenditure.

Nunez’s salary presents another consideration for interested clubs. His current £140,000 weekly wage at Liverpool could be comfortably matched by Newcastle but might prove challenging for Nottingham Forest, even with Champions League revenue. Atletico Madrid would likely need to make Nunez one of their highest earners, a commitment that would underscore their belief in his potential

“Liverpool won’t let Nunez leave cheaply,” explained one football finance expert. “They recognize his market value remains high despite his inconsistent performances. With multiple interested parties, they can afford to be patient and secure the best possible deal.”

Nunez’s potential departure represents one element of Liverpool’s broader transition under Arne Slot. Following Klopp’s transformative eight-and-a-half-year tenure, the club finds itself at a natural inflection point, with several experienced players also approaching contract decision points.

While Nunez may be the most immediate departure, veterans including Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all have contracts entering their final year. Decisions regarding these cornerstone players will shape Liverpool’s medium-term future more fundamentally than Nunez’s situation.

Slot’s reputation at Feyenoord was built on progressive, possession-based football with clear tactical principles—an approach requiring specific player profiles in each position. His assessment of Nunez indicates a recognition that certain players, despite their talents, may not align optimally with his tactical vision.

“This is the first major opportunity for Slot to put his stamp on the squad,” noted one former Liverpool player. “How he handles Nunez’s situation and identifies a replacement will provide significant insight into his long-term vision for the team’s attacking approach.”

For Nunez himself, this summer represents a crucial juncture in his career development. At 25, he remains a young striker with significant potential, but the trajectory of his next move could prove decisive in determining whether he fulfills the promise that prompted Liverpool’s substantial investment