The speculation of Darwin Nunez’s future at Liverpool has increased after a transfer agreement on the other side of Europe.
The Uruguayan has been at the centre of a transfer talk throughout the summer, with Napoli showing significant interest. Earlier this week the Serie A champions tabled a formal bid for Nunez, reported to be worth €50 million plus €5 million in add-ons according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Reds rejected the offer and are believed to value Nunez at around €60 million. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano discussed both Liverpool and Napoli’s stance during a transfer update posted YouTube on Tuesday, stating “€50 million was never going to be enough for Liverpool. But in the next days or weeks, Napoli are expected to try again for Darwin. He remains their top target.”
However, it’s another transfer that could unlock the door for Nunez’s Anfield exit.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been continually linked to clubs across Europe for the past two seasons. The Nigerian international arrived in Italy back the summer of 2020 for a club-record fee €70 million and after four seasons at Gli Azzurri — scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances — was hotly tipped for a move away after Antonio Conte arrived last summer, with deals between Al-Ahli and Chelsea falling through.
Instead it was Turkish giant Galatasaray that secured Osimhen’s services — albeit on a one-season loan deal. Thirty-seven goals in 41 appearances during 2024–25 only proved why the 26-year-old is considered one of the most lethal finishers in Europe, and it’s why Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus have all shown interest during the summer transfer window.
But, once again, it appears that Galatasaray have stolen a march on their rivals by agreeing to meet Osimhen’s €75m release clause in structured 5-year payments. Fabrizio Romano reports Osimhen prefers Galatasaray, wants the “deal sealed ASAP” and that a contract is already in place with the player.
And now with the boost in transfer funds, Napoli are ready to improve their offer for their ‘dream target’ Nunez.
?? After selling Osimhen, Napoli are set for new round of talks for Darwin Nunez as Uruguayan striker remains the main, dream target.
As revealed two weeks ago, Darwin wants Napoli and he’s open to the move.
Understand he’s giving total priority to Napoli at this stage. ??? pic.twitter.com/NnyvaYPRfN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2025
Nunez, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a club-record £85 million, has endured a mixed and often frustrating spell on Merseyside, largely overshadowed by inconsistency and wastefulness in front of goal.
The Uruguayan netted just six times in the most recent campaign and struggled to secure a regular starting role under head coach Arne Slot. Across three seasons, Nunez has recorded 25 goals and 13 assists in 95 appearances — a return that falls short of expectations for a leading striker at a club with ambitions of sustained domestic and European success.
