The Liverpool deal for Uruguay international Darwin Nunez is done pending a final sign-off from Benfica according to Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda who’s based in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and works for TV network SIC Noticias. Sepulveda stated that Premier League rivals Manchester United are out of the race for Uruguay striker Nunez though it was expected that the player will snub the Red Devils to sign for the reigning FA Cup and League Cup champions. Sepulveda said Nunez has already announced his decision to sign for Liverpool to his family and friends.
Liverpool are closing in on a move for Nunez as reported several media outlets as he’s been lined up as a replacement for Senegalese international Sadio Mane who’s expected to leave the club this summer. Mane has one year left his on his current Liverpool deal and he’s not expected to sign a contract extension. The Senegalese forward has been strongly linked with a move to German champions Bayern Munich. The Bavarian giants are said to have made multiple bids for Mane, but they are yet to meet his £42.5m asking price from Liverpool.
Liverpool target Nunez had a very good season at Benfica during the just concluded campaign. The Uruguay international star scorer 34 goals in 41 games for the Portuguese club. Liverpool will certainly break their transfer record to sign the Uruguayan player from Benfica.
Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk moved from felloe Premier League team Southampton to Liverpool for £75m in January 2018 and that has been the record transfer at Liverpool till date. The Reds might need to spend up to £85m to wrap up the deal for Nunez.
Journalists David Ornstein of The Athletic and James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo stated that Uruguayan star Nunez has agreed personal terms with Liverpool ahead of his move to the club.