Darwin Nunez Ready to Exit Liverpool as Club Sets Transfer Price Tag

Darwin Núñez has expressed his readiness to move to Serie A titleholders Napoli during the upcoming transfer window, though Liverpool are expected to request a substantial transfer fee for the 25-year-old striker, as per recent reports.

The Uruguay international arrived at Liverpool in 2022 but has failed to demonstrate his abilities on a consistent basis, with his particularly underwhelming performances during the 2024–25 campaign under Arne Slot bringing him nearer to a potential departure.

Núñez recorded only seven goals across 47 matches in the previous season and was given starting positions in merely eight Premier League fixtures for the championship-winning team. Given Liverpool's significant summer expenditure and their need to generate revenue, a permanent transfer for the ex-Benfica striker appears likely.

While Saudi Arabian clubs have reportedly shown interest in Núñez, ESPN suggests that Napoli might secure his services as he has become Antonio Conte's primary attacking acquisition target for this summer.

Núñez is reportedly "receptive to the possibility" of moving to the Italian club, though "negotiations are still in progress", with Liverpool seeking a transfer fee exceeding €50 million (£43 million/$57.6 million) for the player.

Liverpool invested a guaranteed £64 million for the forward, with the total potentially reaching £85 million should specific performance clauses be met. The Reds are keen to reduce their financial losses on Núñez, who retains the potential to succeed in a different environment.

Liverpool's striker is not Napoli's sole center-forward target, as Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca is also under consideration. The Serie A powerhouse will "maintain discussions with Núñez" while simultaneously pursuing negotiations with the 24-year-old Italian as an alternative option.

The Premier League winners are set to invest roughly £190 million once agreements for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are completed, with Jeremie Frimpong and Ármin Pécsi being the only confirmed signings so far.

Liverpool's transfer activity is expected to continue, and they will need to find a replacement for Jarell Quansah if he moves to Bayer Leverkusen as speculated. Crystal Palace and England center-back Marc Guehi has been heavily mentioned as a potential target.