Darwin Núñez pressures Jorge Mendes: Is he the next 'bomb' signing for Barça?

FC Barcelona will have an advantage in the 'race' for Darwin Núñez next summer. At least this is what the Uruguayan forward is betting on, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season, probably on loan. The '9' has had a forgettable 2024-25 season and Anfield Road is already looking for his replacement, while the forward pressures his representative, Jorge Mendes, to get him closer to Barça.

The latest information indicates the insistence of the player from Artigas to approach the azulgrana team, knowing the interest of the Catalans in adding another striker for the 2025-26 season. Although Robert Lewandowski's continuity is not in doubt, the board's idea is to bring in another '9' capable of covering for the Polish player, a role that Ferran Torres has performed well this season.

In this sense, the future of the 'Shark' could be decisive in a possible interest in Núñez or any other area reference. If the Valencian decides to listen to offers, it is almost certain that Barça will look for another '9', as Pau Víctor will also leave in the next transfer window. Conversely, if the '7' insists on staying, the club will prioritize the signing of a left winger as the only offensive reinforcement.

The reasons for Darwin Núñez to offer himself to Barça

Beyond this scenario, Darwin Núñez has expressed his desire to leave Liverpool and has offered himself to Barça as a possible replacement for Lewandowski. The Uruguayan international has a connection with Spain, where he played for Almería before signing with Benfica in 2020. In his only season with the Andalusian team, he scored 16 goals and provided 3 assists in 32 matches. 

Liverpool paid 85 million euros for Núñez in 2022, which makes any transfer costly. However, Barça could close his signing for a considerably lower amount or even negotiate a loan for a year, without a mandatory purchase option. 

Although there are currently no formal approaches between Barça and Liverpool, it is expected that Jorge Mendes will work on his exit. Barça could consider a loan as long as it is for a low amount and assuming a smaller percentage of his salary, considering the excellent relationship of the Portuguese agent with the azulgrana board.