Darwin Nunez’s transfer interest could force Liverpool’s hand as the next major decision weighs

Darwin Nunez’s decision to delete his social media posts regarding Liverpool has set tongues wagging.

The Reds striker was a second-half substitute in Sunday’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur before taking the call to remove all pictures of his time on Merseyside so far.

Here, the ECHO’s Liverpool FC breaks down what should happen next for the big-money striker.

READ MORE: Darwin Nunez’s deleted footage won’t change Liverpool’s problem, which isn’t his fault

READ MORE: VVD contract suggestion and Liverpool dressing room response to Michael Edwards return

Stick or twist? Transfer interest could make Liverpool’s decision for them

Paul Gorst: As for Darwin Nunez, the raw materials for a top power forward are within everyone’s reach.

Unfortunately, however, the shortcomings are only visible and almost two years on from his club-record £75m signing – with the potential to rise further to £85m – it is right that the big questions are not being asked.

With 31 goal contributions this season, it appears at first glance that Nunez has enjoyed an impressive second spell at Anfield, netting 19 in his maiden campaign, but that figure could – and should – be significantly higher than it is.

Few players have enjoyed the unwavering support of the Kop quite like Nunez, whose name has been loudly chanted after incidents as mundane as winning throw-ins and shutting down defenders. It is understandable that there was a desire for him to succeed and that has been evident since he made his Anfield debut in August 2022.

But as the goals have dried up – there are now just two since the start of March – the missed chances, lackluster finishes and panicked breakouts have become harder to digest, especially as the team’s fortunes have plummeted during an abject April.

The deletion of images from social media that were linked to the Reds suggests that one player has felt the brunt of what is almost certain to have been criticism that unfortunately manifested itself as online abuse, but he never had the less than the total support of those visiting the grounds. most weeks.

Two years on, however, the question is whether he can truly develop into the world-class centre-forward Liverpool felt he could be when they broke the bank to sign him from Benfica. Evidence that maybe is getting harder to spot and a major decision could now await the new powerhouse of Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot.

Stick or twist? A return of any fee close to the initial fee paid to sign him could see Liverpool opt for the latter.

Goodwill has largely waned for Nunez from fans

Ian Doyle: Christian Benteke lasted one season. Mario Balotelli as well. Dean Saunders made it in just over a year. Andy Carroll about 18 months. Djibril Cisse had two campaigns but was injured for most of the first. Stan Collymore was two years old. Robbie Keane, however, got around six months.

When signing a big-money striker falls through at Liverpool, they just don’t make it to the third year. Which brings us to the decision Arne Slot should make regarding Darwin Nunez, whether or not the Uruguayan is agitating for a move after his clear display of displeasure following a poor cameo against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

In terms of numbers at Liverpool, Nunez far outscored the forwards mentioned above, with the exception of Collymore, whose tally of 35 goals and 16 assists over the two seasons is almost matched by his 33 goals and 17 assists decisive of Nunez.

And in some ways there is a comparison to be made between Collymore and Nunez, with both undoubted talents that Liverpool have failed to fully unlock. There is also turbulence in their Reds careers, albeit for different reasons.

Jurgen Klopp simply failed to get the best out of Nunez. Slot might think he can, but he will certainly know what to expect when he steps in at Anfield.

Nunez was a crowd favorite with his effort and clear desire to win. But that can only take a player so far, especially for a team chasing major honors. Good will has greatly declined.

Indeed, if Slot decides that Nunez is not a player around whom his attack can be built on occasion, Liverpool need to cash in immediately while they can still get a good price for the 24-year-old. Otherwise, the debate over Nunez needs to stop – and the Uruguayan simply accepted as one of the many strikers the new manager can call upon next season.

Hard to see how Nunez becomes the player he was declared for

Tom Cavilla: It’s getting harder and harder to defend Darwin Nunez, who continues to divide opinion for good reason.

The 24-year-old has struggled in front of goal for several weeks, with his most damaging miss coming in last month’s Merseyside derby defeat at Goodison Park.

Unlike the Uruguayan on this side of the pitch that Liverpool fans used to worship, Nunez has all the craziness of Luis Suarez without any of the conviction.

Supporters believed the current campaign would be the year the former Benfica star showed the division why he was brought to Merseyside. Instead, he left fans wondering how the club could move him on after just two seasons.

Nunez’s 15-minute cameo against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday told the story of his Liverpool career so far, missing a brilliant one-on-one chance after being flagged for offside moments earlier and failing to time his round. No Premier League player has been caught offside on more occasions than the Reds’ number 9 in 2023/24.

There was another moment when Nunez tripped over the ball before winning a free kick seconds later, once again highlighting his chaotic style of play, which is becoming less and less enjoyable to watch by the week.

Last June, we argued that Nunez was under pressure to deliver for the Reds this term. Simply put, that didn’t happen. Erling Haaland has surprisingly missed more big chances than Nunez this season, but the Manchester City star still finds a way to get on the scoresheet every week. That’s the difference.