Benfica’s Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool search is in its final stages, with the final breakdown of the deal apparently all that remains to be agreed before it becomes official.
The 22-year-old has dominated the talks between the Reds in recent days and weeks after Liverpool’s interest rose rapidly with a deal in sight.
The Uruguayan represents what many believe is the next stage of evolution for the whole of Jurgen Klopp, with Núñez not the typical profile that the reds have been looking for in recent years.
And an agreement seems like it’s only a matter of time now, but what exactly do we know at this stage?
What’s the last one?
It has been quick for Liverpool, with the deal now clearly a matter of when not if.
Different reports have emerged from various sources, some suggesting that everything is done and still others reporting that final agreements have not yet been reached between Liverpool and Benfica.
But what is the current situation?
- Personal terms have been agreed with Núñez, which is expected to be a five-year deal
- A Portuguese journalist claims that an agreement was reached on Friday, in packages worth more than 85 million pounds
- Merseyside reporters suggest the opposite on Saturday, with details yet to be “deleted”
- These details correspond to the initial rate and subsequent add-ons
- Sports director Julian Ward is in Portugal for face-to-face talks
And this is where Liverpool seem to be at the moment, apparently finding a middle ground key for both of them.
Reliable Times Paul Joyce reported on Saturday afternoon that the Reds are aiming for an initial figure close to 60 million pounds, while Benfica expects 68 million pounds, more additions.
But the meaning is that once the package is agreed, the domino will fall quickly so that Liverpool and Núñez make it official, maybe at the beginning of next week if everything goes according to plan.
What can we expect from Núñez?
Liverpool fans saw Núñez from both Champions League games earlier this year, scoring two goals to make an impression.
Jurgen Klopp congratulated the 22-year-old before the second meeting of the two sides, saying that it is: “Physically strong, fast, in addition to calming in the end, when he finished the goal, he was very calm.
“Well, very, very good. As we say in these situations, if you stay healthy, you have a great race ahead of you.”
But in terms of his profile, This Is Anfield can help you with a bit of reading about a player who looks set to settle into the Liverpool dressing room soon.
First of all, a summary of Núñez’s career, his profile and what his arrival may mean for the reds’ style of play: Núñez – Who is the striker with 34 goals in 41 games?
And secondly, an interesting view of the young striker Alfredo Fumacas from the Benfica Podcast, someone well placed to tell us everything we want to know.
From his “never giving up attitude” to his “perfect” fit for the Reds’ pressure game, check out all the answers to what Liverpool can expect from Núñez here!