Liverpool set €70m price as Forward exit edges closer and Ekitike move looms | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez Exit Edges Closer as Liverpool Line Up Hugo Ekitike Replacement

Nunez’s Struggles Continue at Anfield

Darwin Nunez’s future at Liverpool appears to be hanging by a thread, with a high-profile summer exit looking increasingly likely. As reported by CaughtOffside, Napoli have withdrawn their interest in the Uruguayan striker, but other clubs are circling. Liverpool remain firm on their €70 million valuation, a figure that may deter some suitors but not all.

Nunez, 26, has yet to consistently deliver on the promise that persuaded Liverpool to break the bank for him. “Nunez has struggled to find his best form at Liverpool, but he’s not been short of suitors this summer as clubs still view him as someone with the potential to succeed outside of the Premier League.”

Saudi Clubs Circle While Europe Hesitates

The most serious interest currently comes from Saudi Arabia. CaughtOffside reports that “sources have confirmed… that the ‘strongest interest’ comes from Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr.”

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Although Barcelona and AC Milan are monitoring the situation, there has been no formal move from either club. “It remains to be seen if Barca or Milan can afford the player… with neither club making formal approaches just yet.” Saudi sides, flush with financial power, remain the most realistic bidders at present, though Nunez’s own preferences remain unclear.

Napoli’s Withdrawal Shifts Focus

At one point, Napoli seemed destined to secure Nunez. “Napoli long looked the favourites for Nunez, with the player having also been keen to make the move there,” Alfredo Pedullà told CaughtOffside. However, that avenue has closed. Still, Liverpool “look likely to part ways with Nunez as long as the money is right.”

The sense is that while Liverpool are not desperate to offload him, they are more than open to it should a suitable offer arrive.

Ekitike Lined Up as Successor

Liverpool are already planning for life beyond Nunez. According to The Athletic, they are “advancing on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.”

“Nunez hasn’t really been good enough for Liverpool despite previously impressing at Benfica, so it looks like it’s time to make a change up front.”

Ekitike, 23, registered 33 goal contributions last season and offers a profile more suited to the structured pressing style that new manager Arne Slot will likely favour.

“As reported by the Athletic and others, the Merseyside giants are now advancing on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.” With youth, form and flexibility on his side, Ekitike seems well-positioned to step into Anfield’s spotlight.

Our View – EPL Index

This feels like the right time for Liverpool to cut ties with Darwin Nunez. He arrived as a high-ceiling talent but struggled for consistency, decision-making and big-game composure. The flashes were there — the runs behind the line, the raw energy — but he never truly earned the trust of the fanbase or coaching staff in crunch moments.

The fact that Saudi clubs are leading the chase is telling. Top-tier European interest is lukewarm at best, perhaps reflecting the perception that he has not evolved since leaving Benfica.

Replacing him with Hugo Ekitike is a bold but calculated move. The Frenchman’s numbers are impressive and he fits the modern mould — intelligent movement, clinical finishing and positional versatility. It signals that Arne Slot wants to build his forward line around pace and awareness, not just power.

Many supporters will still remember the excitement when Nunez arrived. But football is about results and evolution. If Liverpool can recoup a decent fee and land a more fluid attacker like Ekitike, then this feels like smart business. We’ll watch closely to see if Nunez flourishes elsewhere. For now, it looks like Liverpool are building a forward line that better matches their tactical future.