Darwin Nunez has scored 33 goals in 96 games for Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Darwin Nunez has hit double figures in all competitions across both of his Liverpool seasons, but there should still be plenty more to come from the £85million man. And new Reds manager Arne Slot will hope that he holds the key to unlock the Uruguayan, who scored at a respectable rate under Jurgen Klopp but generally proved wasteful with his chances.
Nunez found the net 34 times in his final season at Benfica and he boasts a healthy strike rate at international level. Now 25 years old, and with a big price tag to justify, it’s time for the frontman to become the leading figure in Liverpool’s attack.
Achieving that is almost impossible with superstar forward Mohamed Salah in the equation. The Egyptian has been Liverpool’s primary dangerman for the past seven seasons, and although he plays out wide, he’s more of a deadly finisher than a selfless provider.
Salah’s killer instinct in front of goal has, of course, served Liverpool well. But if one of Slot’s key tasks is to begin planning for the future and improve those who could be at his disposal for years to come, it may be time for the Reds to facilitate a changing of the guard.
Bidding farewell to Salah would be agonising for Liverpool fans, but cutting ties this summer and recouping a hefty fee in the process would be less painful than losing the 32-year-old on a free transfer when his contract expires next June.
Reds star Wataru Endo has already suggested that Salah could soon be on his way, telling ABEMA Sports Time earlier this month: “The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen.”
Mohamed Salah has less than a year remaining on his Liverpool contract (Image: Getty)
With a large portion of Nunez’s potential yet to be unleashed, Salah’s possible exit should be followed up by the signing of a considerably younger wide man with a proven track record of occupying defenders and creating chances.
Former Real Madrid star Takefusa Kubo could be the man for the job. According to Sponichi Annex, Liverpool are chasing the 23-year-old with a view to making him the most expensive Japanese player in history.
Having netted seven goals and registered four assists in La Liga for Real Sociedad last season, Kubo’s numbers don’t match up to those of Salah at this stage of his career. But he could prove to be a good investment for Liverpool, and a signing of the correct calibre to move Nunez into a position of heightened responsibility.
With Salah out of the picture and Kubo pulling the strings from the right-hand side, Liverpool fans could see a brand new Darwin Nunez in 2024/25.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1929818/mohamed-salah-real-madrid-liverpool-darwin-nunez