Liverpool Not Ready to Go Into a Transfer War With Man United Over Young Star

Liverpool are looking to fill the hole left by Sadio Mane and have identified Benfica’s Darwin Nunez as the perfect candidate to take over from the African, who is almost certainly Bayern Munich bound.

The Top Flight’s Joel Edkins reported yesterday that hot property, Nunez, is wanted by most of Europe’s elite, with Manchester United leading the race over Liverpool and Atletico Madrid; this is purely based on the player’s willingness to play under the new boss, Erik ten Hag.

"Manchester United were listed as primary candidates to secure the 22-year-old’s signature but Liverpool and Newcastle have emerged as alternate contenders.British newspaper, the i, however, reports Nunez is “tempted” by recently appointed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s proposed project.The opportunity to play with Cristiano Ronaldo can’t hurt matters either, but a lack of Champions League football may prove an adverse factor.The latter has been cited as a priority of the free-scoring forward’s in the past and is an aspect that Liverpool can not only offer but provide recent evidence of being in contention for.(Via: thetopflight.com)"

Not Even 24 Hours Later, Already Liverpool Appears to Be in the Driver’s Seat

The Reds’ interest in the player has intensified over the last couple of hours, if not, over the last few days. News progressed from, Jurgen Klopp just being an admirer of the player to, the club views him as the perfect Klopp player and are now willing to “smash” their transfer record for him.

They are willing to accommodate €85m for Nunez while the player is said to be valued at around €100m by Benfica. It is not certain that Manchester United are willing to meet the €100m demand with ten Hag only promised a £100m transfer budget from the United board for the summer.

Liverpool, on the other hand, has made it clear that: they are willing to break the bank for Klopp’s perfect striker but will not entertain the €100 million Benfica are asking for.

"Liverpool have targeted Darwin Nunez to be the new striker to light up Anfield and are prepared to smash their transfer record to sign him.The Uruguay international is one of the rising stars in world football and is also wanted by Atletico Madrid and Manchester United but Liverpool are determined to sign Nunez with a deal that could reach as much as £85million.Julian Ward, Liverpool’s new sporting director, has been in discussions with Benfica and it is understood that Nunez is keen to move to Merseyside.(Via: dailymail.co.uk)"

Liverpool Will Be Working on a Deal Out of Their Transfer Strategy

One is well aware that the Reds are not easily bullied and if the price is too high, they will start looking at their alternatives and more affordable options. Darwin Nunez, in every aspect of his gameplay, is a Liverpool and Klopp-type player.

He’s only 22 years of age, which is up their alley. He is quick, has an eye for goal, and can play in multiple positions across the frontline; these are all the attributes of a modern-day footballer, let alone a Red. If they are serious and back the manager and the Uruguayan becomes a Liverpool player before the summer window closes, they mean business next season.

Manchester United have fallen behind their counterparts in the race to sign some of Europe’s top talents, and this is only because of their Champions League football status for next term, which is non-existent. They would have to offer more than what their old foes are prepared to pay for him and will have to offer Darwin Nunez a huge wage packet.

In Conclusion

Nunez to Liverpool hangs on Sadio Mane leaving and them having to replace a world-class player with a like-for-like signing. If Bayern Munich resists paying what the Reds want for Mane, then one could consider Mane staying at Anfield for another season.

There are many red flags as to why this doesn’t look like a true Liverpool transfer story but they have shocked us once or twice in the market before with some big steals. Virgil van Dijk, their most expensive signing of £75m, is one example that can be used.

Also, not sure the 85 million euros will be a record-breaking deal for the Reds as their 75 million pounds for VVD work out to more. But it will be their most expensive signing from a club outside of England and their highest ever paid for an attacker.