This is how Barcelona are really feeling about signing Darwin Nunez from Liverpool this summer.
It’s now been almost two years since Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez. To say that the Uruguayan’s time at the club so far has been turbulent would be an understatement.
Nunez hasn’t quite clicked into gear for Liverpool so far. He’s had his moments. But he’s not been consistent enough.
The 24-year-old striker is erratic in front of goal and lacks composure. He can border on the sublime and the atrocious.
Right now, he’s going through a rough patch in form as well, and that has seena heightened criticism of his game.
The latest on Barcelona’s intentions with Darwin Nunez
The criticism has seen rumours surface that Nunez could be on his way out of Anfield this summer. Barcelona have even been linked with an interest in his services.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are unlikely to make a move for Nunez. The Liverpool forward is on a long-term contract, and would cost too much for the Catalans at this stage.
This might be disappointing to some Liverpool fans, but the reality is Liverpool still have to back Nunez to succeed.
The club spent a lot of money to acquire him from Benfica. They’ve invested a lot of time now to get the best out of him.
There is no point in giving up on Nunez just yet.
Why Darwin Nunez still has a future at Liverpool
The underlying numbers and the data suggests, there is a player there who has the potential to be a potent goal-scorer. As per FBref, Nunez is underperforming his xG in the Premier League by 0.20 per 90. In a 38 game season, that could equate to minus 7.6 goals.
Nunez is still creating chances and getting on at the end of goal-scoring opportunities. It would be more of a concern if he was not finding himself in scoring situations.
That would be a lot more difficult to coach. However, composure and finishing can always be enhanced and improved. That’s what Liverpool need to get right, and then they will have a formidable player on their hands.