Latest developments
- Liverpool want £50-£60 million for Darwin Nunez.
- Newcastle United are rumoured to be interested in the Uruguayan.
- The Magpies could sell Alexander Isak this month.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): “Should be taken seriously”
Darwin Nunez's days at Anfield are numbered as Liverpool have named their price for the Uruguayan, who they want to sell for between £50-£60 million.
According to transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke on footballinsider247.com, Newcastle have been linked with the forward and their interest “should be taken seriously”.
Value (4/5): Less than Reds paid
Expectations for Nunez were once as high as Erling Haaland's at Man City, but after 37 goals in 120 games, and just two in 15 Premier League appearances this season, it is unsurprising that Liverpool are selling him for less than the £85 million they signed him for.
But with a market value of £53.9 million and still lethal on his day, the asking price is quite fair.
Suitability (3/5): Magpies would have to reshape
Newcastle would be signing a forward with 80 Premier League appearances to his name and domestic winners' medals in his collection, plus is still only 25.
They would be signing a player who is not as clinical as the supposedly outgoing Alexander Isak, and one that plays a very different game to the Swede, likely forcing Eddie Howe's team to restructure their attacking play, right at the point when they have found some form.
Upgrade (2/5): Isak might stay on Tyneside
Magpies fans will be hoping the £150 million asking price for Isak will be enough to scare off all potential suitors, and if he does stay, Nunez will be unlikely to push Isak and his 13 league goals out anytime soon.
He has a modicum of experience on either wing too, but neither Anthony Gordon nor Jacob Murphy would be troubled by the former Benfica man.
Logic (1.5/5): Milan the first choice?
Last month, AC Milan were said to be offering Nunez a route out of the Premier League, and a fresh start in a new country would suit Nunez better than a substitute role at St James' Park.
For Newcastle, if they can sell Isak, then Nunez doesn't look to be the right replacement. If they cannot sell him, then paying up to £60 million for a back-up when they have PSR issues makes no sense.
Whisper+ verdict: 14/25
With some confidence restored, there is no reason why Nunez cannot excel at another Premier League club. However, that club is unlikely to be Newcastle.
