Report: AC Milan Eye Liverpool Striker in €50m January Transfer Proposal | OneFootball

Darwin Núñez: Liverpool’s Stance on AC Milan Links

Darwin Núñez’s future at Liverpool has been a hot topic, especially with recent links to AC Milan suggesting a potential January exit for the striker. However, as clarified by the Daily Mail, Liverpool’s current stance suggests no immediate move is on the horizon, despite Núñez’s ongoing struggles in front of goal this season.

Núñez’s Form Raises Questions

The Uruguayan striker has endured a difficult campaign, managing only two goals in 14 Premier League appearances. This return contrasts starkly with the form of teammates Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo, who have flourished under new manager Arne Slot’s system. Díaz, now operating centrally, has netted 12 goals, while Gakpo has added 11, with both exceeding their expected goals metrics. These performances have placed Núñez’s role under scrutiny, with his limited output raising doubts about his fit in Slot’s high-energy, dynamic approach.

Reports of a €50m offer from AC Milan add another layer of intrigue. If true, this would mark a significant financial loss for Liverpool, who invested heavily in the striker with an initial £64m fee in 2022, rising to £85m with add-ons.

Liverpool’s Transfer Stance

While rumours of Milan’s interest continue to swirl, the Daily Mail asserts that no formal communication has occurred between the clubs. Any potential departure would hinge on Liverpool securing a suitable replacement, given the club’s competing priorities in the Premier League title race, domestic cups, and Europa League.

Manager Arne Slot, despite earlier assurances of Núñez’s “crucial role,” now finds himself with a reconfigured attacking lineup that has diminished Núñez’s opportunities. With Diogo Jota recently returning from injury but often unreliable due to recurring fitness concerns, the timing of any transfer would need meticulous planning to avoid compromising squad depth.

Challenges in Letting Núñez Go

The challenges surrounding a possible January exit are multifaceted. For one, the proposed deal reportedly involves a loan-to-buy agreement that would only secure Liverpool £41.5m in the summer, far below their initial outlay. Moreover, Slot’s evolving system demands fluidity and versatility from his forwards – qualities Núñez has yet to demonstrate consistently since his record-breaking move from Benfica.

Despite these hurdles, Núñez remains a player with undeniable attributes. His pace, physicality, and determination are assets that any manager would value. The pressing question is whether he can adapt to the demands of English football or if a fresh start abroad might reignite his goal-scoring touch.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to question the wisdom of keeping Núñez amid such glaring inefficiencies. At £64m, expectations were high, and while Núñez shows glimpses of brilliance, they’ve been far too infrequent. With Díaz excelling centrally and Gakpo thriving on the wing, one might argue that Liverpool’s attack has outgrown Núñez.

However, the timing of these rumours feels suspicious. Selling Núñez midseason, especially with Jota’s injury record, would leave Liverpool perilously short in attack. Arne Slot’s system demands depth and rotation – qualities the current squad cannot afford to lose.

Yet, there’s a case for cutting losses. A €50m offer, while underwhelming, provides funds to target a forward better suited to Slot’s philosophy. Núñez’s struggles seem as much psychological as tactical. Perhaps a move to Milan, away from the Premier League spotlight, would reignite the fire that made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers in 2022.

For now, though, this saga feels like speculation rather than a substantive transfer story. Liverpool’s involvement on multiple fronts requires depth, and Núñez may yet prove his worth in the crucial months ahead.