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Uruguayan striker tells ex-teammate he’s “waiting” to seal switch to Serie A champions
Darwin Nunez appears ready to leave Liverpool after three inconsistent seasons, with Napoli emerging as his most likely next destination. The 26-year-old has reportedly confided in former Penarol teammate Walter Gargano that he’s set on joining the Serie A titleholders and is just waiting for the deal to be finalized.
Gargano, speaking to Italian radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli, revealed, “I spoke to him about a week ago. He told me, ‘Yes, I’ll come to Naples right away. I’m waiting to close with Naples.’”
Napoli in Pole Position
Interest in Nunez spans both Europe and Saudi Arabia, but Napoli are reportedly pushing hardest. Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà claims the club has offered a package worth €43m (£36.7m), closing in on Liverpool’s asking price of €50m (£42.7m) plus bonuses.
New Napoli manager Antonio Conte is looking to strengthen his attack after lifting the Scudetto and has already secured Kevin De Bruyne to lead his midfield.
A Striker Who Never Fully Settled
Nunez joined Liverpool in 2022 from Benfica for an initial £64m, potentially rising to £85m. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a dramatic brace against Brentford in January, the forward has struggled with consistency and finishing.
He managed only seven goals in all competitions last season and made just eight Premier League starts. His form waned under new manager Arne Slot, who publicly criticized the striker’s workrate.
Slot pointed to a missed chance against Aston Villa as emblematic of a larger issue, saying, “You can miss a chance, but you cannot miss out on workrate… That’s something we’ll talk about.”
Liverpool’s Next Move
Liverpool are considering replacements if they can finance one. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak tops their wishlist, though he could cost more than the club’s £116m deal for Florian Wirtz.
With 43 goals in 143 appearances, Nunez’s Anfield tenure has been a mixed bag. If a deal with Napoli is completed, both player and club may see it as the right time for a fresh start.
