When you think of footballers at Liverpool who are like marmite, Darwin Nunez is the first name that comes to many supporters.
The Uruguayan forward has had another season of ups and downs at Anfield.
The basic stats will show that he’s done ok. 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions is not to be sniffed at and a lot of strikers would take that for a season.
However, it’s just 11 goals in the Premier League for Nunez and in a worrying trend, his only goals against teams in and around Liverpool was the double way back in August at Newcastle.
His recent form has been poor as well. Nunez has failed to score in six and has been dropped to the bench by Jurgen Klopp in three of the last four.
And as predicted, rumours are circulating over his future, with Barcelona said to be among the teams keen on signing the 24-year-old.
But if Nunez is to go, it won’t be a simple sale, as the Reds will want quite the fee it seems.
Liverpool want massive fee to even consider selling Darwin Nunez
As we know, Liverpool paid a reported £64m for Nunez back in 2022 and that fee could even rise further depending on add-ons.
And according to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool would now command a fee in excess of that £64m.
The report claims that Liverpool would want at least £73m to consider parting ways with the Uruguayan, while there’s also a belief the striker is not actively pushing to leave either.
Any move to Barcelona would also hinge on what their plans are with Robert Lewandowski.
What Liverpool are really thinking about selling Darwin Nunez
The majority inside Anfield would probably put a strong argument for and against keeping Nunez at the club this summer.
On one hand, he cost a huge sum and has all the raw talent to be a success. At 24, too, he is a player who is only going to go on and improve.
On the flipside, there’ll be those who suggest that for Liverpool to win the league and Champions League, they need a more reliable striker who takes chances with more ruthlessness.
In all likelihood, Liverpool will keep Nunez for now. David Ornstein has previously reported on this subject, insisting a stay is more likely.
“I very much doubt Nunez will be leaving. Whatever you think of his form recently, he has shown himself to be a good player for club and country, he is still young, Liverpool wouldn’t make any / much profit from selling him now and there is clear potential, in my opinion, for him to have a successful career at Anfield,” Ornstein told The Athletic.
Nunez, then, is likely to at least be given a chance to impress Arne Slot and make his mark again.