Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of sealing the deal to sign SL Benfica attacking sensation Darwin Nunez.
A recent report from Record has offered another update on Darwin Nunez’s transfer saga this summer. It appears the SL Benfica star is edging closer to a move to Anfield, as Liverpool have now agreed on a transfer fee with Benfica, over the sale of the talented forward.
The Portuguese giants have accepted a €100 million package from Liverpool for Nunez. The Reds are expected to pay €80 million upfront while an additional €20 million will be paid through various add-ons. Upon completion, Nunez is poised to become the club’s most expensive signing, toppling Virgil van Dijk.
The young Uruguayan attacking sensation may also take the second spot in Benfica’s all-time sales, only behind Joao Felix, who had joined Atletico Madrid for a fee of around €120 million.
While Felix has had trouble settling into life at his new club, Liverpool are hoping Nunez can hit the ground running from the very beginning. He is, after all, being brought in as a direct replacement for Sadio Mane, who has hinted at his desire to leave Anfield in the summer, amid interest from Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians are prepared to fork out €40 million to sign Mane from Liverpool. The Senegalese international has emerged as the club’s ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski, with the Pole highly tipped to join FC Barcelona ahead of the new season.
A centre forward by trade, Nunez is capable of operating out wide if necessary. He brings pace and dynamism to the table for Liverpool, while the youngster has shown a prolific form in front of form this past season, notably banging in 26 goals in the league while six others were scored in the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester United, preparing a package of around €105 million, were the other club keen on securing the services of the 22-year-old. But the player is keen on working under Jurgen Klopp and becoming a part of Liverpool’s success in the years to come. Regular Champions League football also played a key role in his decision.
Some sources even suggest Nunez has agreed personal terms with Liverpool. And with the Reds now reaching an agreement with SL Benfica over the transfer fees, it could only be a matter of time before the two parties complete the deal. The announcement, though, unlikely to be made before the departure of Sadio Mane.
