Liverpool and Benfica have reached a consensus for the acquisition of Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez at an initial cost of 75 million euros ($79 million), as disclosed by the Portuguese club on Monday. The agreement, subject to variables, could potentially escalate to 100 million euros ($105 million), according to a statement to the Portuguese stock market. Despite the financial arrangement, the 22-year-old Núñez is yet to finalize contractual terms with Liverpool, and the English club has refrained from providing comments on the transfer.
Núñez’s impending arrival, following a prolific season with Benfica where he scored 34 goals in 41 matches, including two against Liverpool in the Champions League, introduces a notable shift in Jurgen Klopp’s attacking lineup. Sadio Mane’s rumored move to Bayern Munich has gained traction, and the potential transfer may gain momentum with Liverpool securing a replacement.
The addition of Núñez, a tall and technically adept striker, brings a fresh dimension to Liverpool’s attack, which has traditionally featured a more mobile forward line comprising Mohamed Salah, Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz. The latter two joined the team in the past two years, while Salah and Firmino have one year remaining on their contracts.
Having earned 11 caps for Uruguay, Núñez is poised to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Luis Suarez by donning the Liverpool jersey. Klopp expressed his admiration for Núñez last season, particularly after the striker’s notable performances in both legs of Benfica’s Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool. Although Klopp’s squad emerged victorious with a 6-4 aggregate win over Benfica, they ultimately fell to Real Madrid in the final.