Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is once again at the center of a summer transfer storm, with Serie A powerhouse Napoli reportedly making contact over a potential deal. However, their simultaneous interest in Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund could throw a wrench in Liverpool’s hopes of offloading the Uruguayan for a decent fee.
After arriving at Anfield in 2022 for a club-record £85 million, Nunez’s journey with the Reds has been anything but smooth. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he struggled to find consistency, and under new boss Arne Slot, the forward’s role diminished significantly. The 25-year-old made just eight Premier League starts during the 2024–25 season, managing a modest seven goals across all competitions.
With the 2026 World Cup looming, Nunez is eager to secure regular playing time — and Napoli might be the escape route he needs.
According to Football Italia, Napoli have “reached out” to Liverpool as they begin their summer rebuild under newly-appointed head coach Antonio Conte. With Romelu Lukaku expected to lead the line, Conte is keen to bring in a competitive striking partner, and Nunez tops the wishlist.
But there’s a twist: if Napoli fail to strike a deal with Liverpool due to the hefty price tag, the Reds are reluctant to accept a significant loss on their investment, the Italian club may pivot toward another Premier League misfit: Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund, who signed for Manchester United from Atalanta for £72 million in 2023, has underwhelmed at Old Trafford. After netting 10 times in his debut season, he registered just four league goals last term. A return to Serie A could offer the 21-year-old Dane a fresh start, and would effectively end Napoli’s pursuit of Nunez.
Liverpool’s willingness to sell Nunez might be closely linked to their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, who carries a jaw-dropping £126 million valuation. A Nunez sale could be key to funding the German playmaker’s arrival.
But if Napoli opt for Hojlund instead, Liverpool could face difficulties offloading Nunez for a competitive price. A bidding war might have helped Klopp’s successor Slot balance the books, and reshape the squad in his own image.
Napoli are wasting no time making statements in the transfer market. Their blockbuster signing of Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer sent shockwaves across Europe. The Belgian maestro, unveiled dramatically on social media as “King Kev,” adds experience and creativity to Conte’s ambitious project.
Now, all eyes are on who Napoli will crown next. Nunez or Hojlund?
