Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez has reportedly rejected advances from Manchester United and Newcastle United.
As per RMC Sport, Benfica forward Darwin Nunez has turned down advances from Premier League sides Manchester United and Newcastle United, who are both interested in a summer move for the youngster. The 22-year-old’s superlative performances for the Portuguese side this season have attracted attention from a number of European giants.
The Uruguay international, who joined Benfica in 2020, has taken his game to a different level after an impressive first season in Portugal. Arriving from Spanish side UD Almeira, Nunez hit 14 goals in the 2020/21 season, five of which came in the Europa League, on top of 12 assists across competitions.
The centre-forward has surpassed his last season’s tally, and by quite a margin. He has scored 26 goals in the Primeira Liga and is leading the league’s goal-scoring charts for the season. Nunez has also scored six goals in the Champions League, scoring in both the quarter-final legs against finalists Liverpool.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that he is getting linked with Europe’s best. But Manchester United and Newcastle United will reportedly not be the clubs that the Uruguayan will join this summer. He is keen on playing in the Champions League next season, and neither of the two Premier League sides can offer him that.
Manchester United are set to finish sixth in the Premier League this season, provided they get a favourable result from their last league match. They are set for a major summer overhaul under incoming manager Erik ten Hag, and are in the market for a centre-forward, preparing for the impending departures of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial. Nunez has emerged as a target, but a move looks unlikely.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are currently enjoying a resurgence under manager Eddie Howe and with new owners pumping money, they are on course for a rebuild as well. Nunez, however, does not look likely to join them if the aforementioned report is anything to go by.
Liverpool, who were tormented by Nunez in the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with him, all of whom can offer Champions League football to the 22-year-old. It remains to be seen where the Uruguayan international ends up come summer.