Option for Barcelona? Deco, attentive to Darwin Núñez's future at Liverpool

Published:31/01/2025 - 00:38h

Updated:31/01/2025 - 03:31h

Deco continues to search for the ideal '9' for FC Barcelona ahead of next summer. One of the alternatives that the Blaugrana sporting director is considering is Darwin Núñez, who is expected to leave Liverpool in August

Liverpool could part ways with Darwin Núñez next season. The forward is under contract until June 2028, but he has not managed to earn the trust of coach Arne Slot, although the Dutchman is counting on the '9' for the rest of the season. The 25-year-old player has scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists in 29 matches (1,515 minutes) with the 'reds' this season, but he has not been a starter in the Premier League since 'Boxing Day', against Leicester (3-1).

In this regard, Deco is keeping a close eye on Darwin's future, whom he knows well from his time at Benfica. The sporting director of FC Barcelona is looking for a center forward capable of replacing Robert Lewandowski next season, and the 'charrúa' could be an interesting option, despite the inconsistency that characterizes him in front of goal. The Uruguayan may go out on loan in the summer, understanding that his market value (65 million) and the 85 'kilos' that Liverpool paid for him in 2022 reduce his market options.

Liverpool rules out Darwin Núñez's departure in January

However, the 'reds' do not intend, by any means, to part with Núñez in the final stretch of the winter market. Recently, the '9' was mentioned as a possible reinforcement for Saudi Al-Nassr, but both the club and the forward immediately ruled out any kind of negotiation. Slot trusts Cody Gakpo as the main reference in the area, but the South American player has proven to be very useful as a substitute for a Liverpool that remains in the 'race' for all four possible titles this season.

Looking ahead to next summer, the situation could be completely different for Darwin, but both parties will wait until July or August to evaluate offers. The player has scored 39 goals and provided 21 assists in 125 appearances with the 'reds'. His best version, without a doubt, was seen at Benfica, where he scored 48 goals in 85 matches, also providing 16 assists. The Uruguayan international knows Spanish football well, as his first European experience was with Almería, where he played 32 matches (16 goals) before moving to the 'eagles' in 2020.