Liverpool have slashed their asking price for Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez to £50 million, down from £70 million, as Napoli and AC Milan vie for his signature in the 2025 summer transfer window, with Atletico Madrid and Al-Hilal also expressing interest.
The decision, reported on June 16, 2025, follows Nunez’s inconsistent performances under manager Arne Slot, who views the 26-year-old as surplus to requirements. Liverpool aim to fund incoming transfers, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with Nunez’s sale expected to precede a new striker’s arrival.
Nunez, signed for £85 million in 2022, has scored 33 goals in 96 Premier League games but drew criticism for missing an open goal against Aston Villa in May 2025, fueling fan frustration. His 18 goals in the 2024-25 season fell short of expectations, with Slot favoring other forwards. Napoli, leading Serie A, see Nunez as a dynamic addition to their attack, while AC Milan, rebuilding under new management, view him as a long-term investment. Atletico Madrid’s interest adds competition, though Al-Hilal’s £70 million bid was deemed too high for Italian clubs.
Liverpool’s strategy reflects a broader squad overhaul, with deals for Wirtz (£113 million) and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez nearing completion. The reduced fee, a potential £35 million loss, underscores urgency to offload Nunez, whose 10% shot conversion rate lags behind top strikers like Erling Haaland (20%), per Opta Stats. Italian media report Napoli’s willingness to meet the £50 million price, with AC Milan offering £45 million plus bonuses. Negotiations are set to intensify before the window opens on July 1.
The transfer saga highlights Liverpool’s title ambitions, with the club leading the Premier League by eight points. Nunez’s departure could reshape their attack, but risks alienating fans who admire his work rate, with 60% supporting his retention, per a YouGov poll. As Slot reshapes the squad, Nunez’s next move will test his ability to fulfill his potential elsewhere.