Darwin Núñez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer, with the club preparing for a potential change in attack under new head coach Arne Slot. The Uruguayan striker, who joined the Reds in 2022, no longer appears to be central to Liverpool’s plans for the upcoming season.
Reports suggest that Liverpool are open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy for Núñez, who has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe. The anticipated arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt has further pushed Núñez toward the exit door, with the French striker expected to lead the line at Anfield next season.
Earlier in the window, Napoli were linked with a move for Núñez, but the Serie A champions opted to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese instead. Attention has now turned to Juventus, who are reportedly considering Núñez as a fallback option to Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Juve from Paris Saint-Germain, but negotiations for a permanent move have stalled.
According to Football Italia, Juventus view Núñez as a possible alternative, although no formal approach has been made yet. With Dusan Vlahović still at the club, Juventus are not expected to rush a decision. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also monitoring Núñez’s situation.
Liverpool are believed to value the 26-year-old at around $70 million, but are willing to consider structured deals to facilitate his departure. Despite the speculation, Núñez remains active in the Reds’ preseason campaign. He scored a hat-trick in a behind-closed-doors 5-0 win over Stoke City last weekend and was included in the 29-man squad that traveled to Hong Kong for upcoming friendlies.
The Reds are scheduled to face AC Milan in Hong Kong and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan before returning to Anfield for preseason matches against Athletic Club on August 4.
Núñez has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool, but he is among several players whose futures at the club remain uncertain. Federico Chiesa, Luis Díaz, and Harvey Elliott are also facing question marks, with Chiesa notably absent from the Asia tour — reportedly due to a minor fitness concern.