Liverpool torn over £41.5m Darwin Nunez offer, with potential replacement identified

A major European club is in “direct contact” with Liverpool regarding the potential signing of struggling striker Darwin Nunez in January, with reports suggesting that his replacement could be found within the Premier League.

Nunez, 25, was brought to Liverpool from Benfica for £64m (rising to £85m with add-ons) two and a half years ago. If he meets the majority of those add-ons, he will become Liverpool’s most expensive signing, surpassing Virgil van Dijk’s £75m fee.

However, Nunez has not lived up to that price tag. His tendency to squander chances, inconsistent link-up play, and ongoing offside issues have been a consistent source of frustration for the Reds.

Under manager Arne Slot, Diogo Jota quickly became the first-choice striker, even before suffering a rib injury. Nunez stepped in during Jota’s absence, but without much impact. Recently, Luis Diaz has impressed as a makeshift forward, as Jota has been gradually reintegrated.

According to an update from Italian outlet AC Milan TMN, Liverpool could be ready to part ways with Nunez for €50m (£41.5m / $52m). The report claims that AC Milan has opened negotiations for a six-month loan deal, with an obligation to buy.

The proposal involves Milan paying €5m for a six-month loan in January, with an additional €45m to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The outlet wrote on X: “AC Milan are in direct contact with Liverpool FC over Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez in a bid to strengthen their attack ahead of next summer. The Rossoneri offer for the former Benfica player is a loan of €5m with an obligation to buy for €45m, and the Reds are considering accepting it due to the problems the Uruguayan has had in recent years.”

Will Liverpool agree? / Potential replacement named

Nunez was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday. With Jota now fit again, Nunez’s role could diminish as the season progresses.

That said, it would still be surprising for Liverpool to sell a first-team player in January, especially as they remain in contention for multiple trophies.

Strength in depth will be crucial, and recent history has shown how quickly a promising season can unravel due to injuries and fixture congestion.

However, a €50m package could be appealing for Liverpool, especially considering Nunez’s ongoing struggles. Such a deal would also allow Liverpool to bring in a more reliable striker either in January or the summer.

In terms of potential replacements, Mail Online recently reported that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is on Liverpool’s radar.

Delap, 21, was signed by Ipswich from Manchester City last summer for up to £20m. City retains a buy-back clause for the player, and both Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking him.

While Liverpool wouldn’t have exclusive rights to Delap, Ipswich may struggle to prevent a sale. Aside from City’s buy-back option, there is also a release clause in Delap’s contract, though the exact figure remains undisclosed by Mail Online.

Delap is currently Ipswich’s top scorer, having netted six goals—more than double the tally of any other player in Kieran McKenna’s squad.

Another striker that Liverpool has shown interest in is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.

Sky Germany previously reported that Marmoush, Mohamed Salah’s Egyptian teammate, would jump at the chance to join Liverpool. A later update confirmed that Liverpool had firmed up their interest in the player, and his sale in the summer of 2025 was deemed “likely.”

Marmoush has been in excellent form this season, with 18 goals and 12 assists in 30 appearances for Frankfurt.