Man Utd make shock move for Darwin Nunez as Liverpool agree to transfer

Transfers
Thursday, 16 January 2025 at 18:40
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Manchester United are reportedly keen on bringing in Darwin Nunez with Liverpool ready to let him go.
Nunez, 25, has struggled to consistently deliver at Anfield despite flashes of his physical prowess and lightning speed.
His inability to stay onside, wastefulness in front of goal, and lackluster link-up play have made him a frustrating figure.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot initially turned to Diogo Jota as his first-choice striker, but injuries to Jota saw Nunez take center stage, where he failed to make a lasting impact.
Having joined Liverpool from Benfica for £64m (potentially rising to £85m), Nunez has shown minimal progress in his two-and-a-half years at the club.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now open to selling him if the right offer comes along.

Man Utd Emerge as Shock Contenders

Spanish outlet Fichajes has reported that Manchester United have emerged as the "main candidate" to sign Nunez.
United were previously linked with the striker before his move to Liverpool, and the report claims they view him as an opportunity to strengthen their attack.
The outlet stated: "In Manchester, they see him as an opportunity to strengthen their attack, especially in a context where they aim to establish themselves as contenders in both the Premier League and Europe.
For United, acquiring Nunez would not only be a strategic addition but also a symbolic blow in the transfer market. Bringing in a player from their top rival would be a bold move, reflecting the ambition they pursue under Ruben Amorim’s leadership."
The report also highlighted that Nunez’s physical and technical attributes align with Amorim’s vision for a forward capable of blending speed, strength, and efficiency.

Challenges to the Deal

While Fichajes paints an intriguing picture, skepticism remains. Other sources, such as TEAMtalk, confirm Liverpool’s willingness to sell Nunez but have not corroborated United’s interest.
Additionally, United’s financial constraints are well-documented. With the club needing to sell players to fund new signings, a move for Nunez—who may not solve their attacking inefficiencies—seems unlikely.
Amorim has prioritized reinforcements for his 3-4-3 system, particularly in the wing-back positions, where a specialist left wing-back is seen as the top priority.
A January move for Nunez would divert funds away from more pressing needs.

Liverpool’s Ongoing Transfer Activity

Liverpool are also linked with potential high-profile exits. Both Marca and TBR Football claim Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Anfield next summer, with Real Madrid his likely destination on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, United continue to explore ways to offload players, with Antony reportedly available on loan and Marcus Rashford eyeing a move after Sir Jim Ratcliffe vetoed several potential exit routes.
While Nunez could fit Amorim’s style at United, the logistics of such a deal—particularly the financial implications—make it a challenging proposition.
Liverpool’s willingness to sell signals a potential shake-up in their squad, but whether Nunez could make the leap to Old Trafford remains a highly speculative scenario for now.