Journalist Confirms Liverpool Will Sign Forward This Summer after Darwin Nunez Sale | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Forward Hunt Hinges on Value and Readiness Amid Nunez Exit

As the transfer window edges towards its climax, Liverpool find themselves poised for a significant attacking shake-up. Darwin Nunez, who joined the club for a substantial fee in 2022, is now expected to complete a move to Al-Hilal, with Ian Doyle of The Liverpool Echo reporting that the deal is worth €53m (£46.3m) plus bonuses. The Uruguayan has “expressed desire to leave this summer”, and his departure marks a notable change in the Reds’ forward line under Arne Slot.

Despite already spending heavily on Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz this summer, Liverpool are not ruling out another attacking addition — but only on very specific terms.

Slot’s Strategy: Only the Right Forward Will Do

According to Doyle, Liverpool’s interest in signing a new forward is conditional. As he revealed on X, “If deal goes through, club will look to sign attacker – but only one who can be a starter and is attainable at what they believe is fair value.”

This stance isn’t surprising. The club’s recent history under both Klopp and now Slot reflects a prudent and measured transfer strategy, even in an inflated market. While many fans might demand instant reinforcements, Slot and his recruitment team appear committed to value-led decisions over headline-grabbing signings.

Isak the Priority, But Price Remains a Sticking Point

The standout target, per multiple reports, is Alexander Isak. The Swedish international had a standout 2024/25 season and is clearly admired by Liverpool. However, the financial gulf remains vast. Newcastle have slapped a £150m valuation on their striker, a figure far beyond Liverpool’s opening £110m bid, which was “flatly rejected”, as reported by The Athletic.

Even with Isak currently training alone at Newcastle, which hints at friction behind the scenes, the Magpies are standing firm. Liverpool are unlikely to raise their offer much further, especially when they believe the price tag exceeds the player’s true value.

Forward Depth Leaves Room for One More

Should Nunez’s departure be finalised, Arne Slot will be left with four senior forwards, including Federico Chiesa, whose role last season was minimal. Young talents like Jayden Danns, Ben Doak, and Rio Ngumoha are full of promise but not yet considered ready to lead the line week in, week out.

Versatile midfielders like Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott can fill in, but the preference is clearly for “one more readymade first-team starter at centre-forward”, Doyle writes. Liverpool need someone who can step in immediately — not a project, not a gamble, but a proven, attainable player.

Window Risks and Fan Hopes

Fans will undoubtedly be nervous that time could run out before Liverpool secure a replacement. As Doyle fairly points out, “they won’t allow their pants to be pulled down” in the market, but there is a balance to strike. The Premier League campaign waits for no one, and with Diogo Jota’s tragic passing still fresh in memory, attacking reinforcements carry added emotional weight this season.

Liverpool’s resolve not to overpay should be applauded. Still, execution in the next few weeks will be vital if the club wants to maintain its attacking sharpness heading into what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The sense around the Liverpool fanbase right now is one of cautious optimism. While Darwin’s departure might have once been seen as disruptive, many supporters feel it clears the way for a better-suited forward to complement Arne Slot’s evolving system. Nunez was explosive, yes, but also erratic. If we can cash in now and reinvest smartly, it might prove a blessing in disguise.

The interest in Isak makes sense. He’s strong, technically gifted, and clinical — everything Slot values in a modern number 9. But the £150m asking price is absurd. Fans understand the importance of financial discipline, especially when clubs try to exploit Liverpool’s known interest. Still, there’s hope that another top-quality forward might be on the radar, even if it’s not Isak.

Supporters also take comfort in the club’s clarity: any signing must be a starter. That tells us the recruitment team isn’t settling for squad depth, they want someone to make an impact straight away. This attitude aligns perfectly with Slot’s title-winning ambitions.

Lastly, the club should not forget the emotional importance of strengthening after Jota’s tragic death. A signing now would be about more than tactics — it would be a symbol of moving forward while honouring the past.