KEY POINTS

  • Darwin Nunez finished the 2021-22 season with 34 goals
  • He is contracted with Benfica until 2025
  • Liverpool have made Nunez their top target this summer

Liverpool FC have reportedly made Benfica forward Darwin Nunez one of their top targets in the 2022 summer transfer window.

Liverpool are increasingly confident of securing Nunez as Sadio Mane is nearing his Anfield exit, reported Goal.com. The report has further stated that the Reds are prepared to make a club-record offer of more than $94 million for the Uruguayan forward.

Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester United are also interested in Nunez. However the player is clear about wanting a move to Merseyside, according to Sky Sports. While Liverpool are very much interested in Nunez, they are not looking to enter a bidding war for the striker and will not pay over the odds for the player.

Nunez is contracted with Benfica until 2025 and this would give the Portuguese club leverage to negotiate with interested clubs in the player's transfer.

With doubts over the futures of Mane and Mohamed Salah, in addition to Roberto Firmino's dip in form, Liverpool have been aware that they need to plan for the long-term future. The Anfield side brought in Diogo Jota from Wolves in 2020 and signed Luis Diaz from Porto earlier this year.

Now, Jurgen Klopp and Co. are prepared to spend big to land Nunez, one of the most promising center-forwards at present.

Darwin Nunez of S.L. Benfica
Darwin Nunez of S.L. Benfica Getty Images | Carlos Rodrigues - UEFA/UEFA

The 22-year-old scored 34 goals and four assists in 41 competitive appearances for Benfica in the recently ended 2021-22 campaign. He also scored goals in both legs of Benfica's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Liverpool in April. It is believed that Nunez impressed Klopp with his physicality and work ethic. Liverpool's recruitment team has further informed the German boss about Nunez's professionalism and desire for self-improvement.

Liverpool are looking to strengthen their side for the 2022-23 campaign. They missed out on the Premier League title by just a point, while they suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. The Reds finished the season with two trophies: League Cup and FA Cup.

RELATED STORIES