Jose Mourinho wants to test Liverpool’s resolve with $75m approach but transfer unlikely

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could be subject to an upbeat transfer bid from Turkish side Fenerbahce, who are now managed by legendary manager Jose Mourinho.

Nunez, 25, has 20 goals in 65 Premier League appearances since joining Liverpool in the summer of 2022 when he arrived from Portuguese side Benfica for a record fee of $107.5 million. Nunez has already become a fan favorite and supporters are expecting the Uruguayan to make a statement in the league next season after an impressive run in the Copa America this summer.

But Liverpool may have to reject a bold bid from Turkey first, with Fenerbahce receiving a bid of $75m, according to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, via KOPTALK. The report claims Mourinho, who has been a long-term admirer of Nunez, has spoken to his agent Jorge Mendes to discuss his availability.

Not only is the rumored fee of $75 million not enough for Liverpool to entertain, it would surpass Fenerbahce’s current transfer record. Throughout their history, Fenerbahce’s record signing is Cengiz Under, who joined from French giants Marseille in a deal worth $16.2 million.

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Fenerbahce are looking for a new centre-forward, with Edin Dzeko coming to the end of his playing days and Michy Batshuayi leaving the club after his two-year contract expired. Mourinho is feeling hopeful ahead of his new venture in Turkey but can be more realistic in the transfer market.

Mourinho actively sought to sign Nunez when he was Tottenham head coach, but did not receive the financial backing to complete a deal. At the time, Nunez was playing in Spain with UD Almeria, but Benfica quickly swooped in and signed the forward for $26 million.

Almeria made almost $20 million in profit on the sale after initially signing him for a minor fee of $6 million, and Benfica later made an $80 million profit once Liverpool called. Mourinho has coached some of the best and richest teams in world football, but he will have to adapt to his new role.

However, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach is up for the challenge and wants to change the way the world sees Turkish football. “One of the things is that I bring attention with me. More people from Europe will follow the Turkish league,” Mourinho said. “My wish is for Turkish football to improve at every level.”

He then focused on his goals with Fenerbahce and added: “By winning. For me, Fenerbahce means ambition. The fans must not be patient, they must be angry and they must be demanding. If the players cannot cope with that pressure they don’t have the place at Fenerbahce. I want the players to trust me, to know that I am very honest, very direct, sometimes not the nicest, but always honest with them.

Mourinho has already started making decisions on the current squad, but Nunez is highly unlikely to be part of it.