Latest news with #DarwinNunez
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Madrid's reduced valuation puts Liverpool on alert
Rodrygo Back on Liverpool's Radar as Real Madrid Drop Price Tag As Liverpool's pre-season tour rolls through Asia, much of the club's intrigue lies away from the pitch. While the 4-2 loss to AC Milan generated some talking points, the real focus remains on Arne Slot's evolving squad and how Liverpool may respond to the looming exits of key attacking figures. Photo: IMAGO With Luis Diaz reportedly close to sealing a move to Bayern Munich and Darwin Nunez expected to follow him through the exit door, the club's attacking options are under scrutiny. Eyes have naturally turned to potential replacements, and one familiar name has returned to the conversation: Rodrygo. Madrid stance opens door for movement According to the Echo AS, Real Madrid are prepared to lower their valuation of the Brazilian winger. Previously holding firm at £80 million, the Spanish giants are now said to be open to negotiating a lower fee to help facilitate Rodrygo's departure. This shift has reportedly alerted several European clubs, including Liverpool, who have a long-standing interest in the player. Photo: IMAGO Rodrygo's situation in Madrid has become increasingly uncertain. The 24-year-old was handed a limited role during the Club World Cup and is reportedly not in Xabi Alonso's plans moving forward. This potential availability presents an opportunity that Liverpool may find hard to ignore. Rodrygo link not new to Anfield Liverpool were close to securing Rodrygo's services before he moved to Spain in 2019. That admiration has lingered. While no formal offer has been made yet, the combination of reduced cost and the player's technical fit for Liverpool's system could make him an attractive option in the post-Diaz era. Photo: IMAGO Rodrygo's versatility, work rate and experience at the elite level match the profile Liverpool tend to favour. The Echo notes that, while Liverpool's interest is yet to be defined as concrete, the shift in Madrid's stance could trigger movement, especially if further funds are generated through outgoing transfers. Slot's attack could use fresh spark With Arne Slot placing emphasis on fluid attacking transitions and intelligent movement in the final third, a player of Rodrygo's profile could be a valuable asset. He has shown at Real Madrid that he can play across the front three, maintain width or tuck inside, and press aggressively from the front all traits that would fit the Dutchman's vision for Liverpool. Photo IMAGO Transfer decisions gathering pace Much of Liverpool's transfer strategy this summer has been about timing. Patience has been key as they wait to navigate a market increasingly driven by inflated valuations and tight FFP margins. But if Rodrygo truly is on the market at a reduced price, Liverpool may look to strike, particularly if they find themselves with a shortfall of wide options come August. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Rodrygo is no speculative gamble. He has Champions League pedigree, La Liga experience, and is entering his peak years. If Real Madrid are genuinely lowering their asking price, Liverpool would be foolish not to make serious enquiries. With Diaz's departure reportedly agreed and Nunez's future hanging in the balance, a wide forward of Rodrygo's class would inject real excitement into the rebuild under Slot. There are still questions. Can he adapt quickly to the demands of English football? Would he accept a role in a system that asks more of its wide players off the ball? But in terms of potential and proven quality, Rodrygo ticks more boxes than most. This deal, if it happens, would be a statement that Liverpool are not just looking to replace, they are looking to evolve. And with the clock ticking down to the new season, a move of this calibre could be the catalyst for a thrilling new chapter at Anfield.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool transfer chain could unlock Isak deal this summer
Isak pushing for Liverpool move as Newcastle prepare for talks Liverpool's interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has intensified after it emerged the Sweden international wants to leave St James' Park, with the forward understood to be keen on a move to Anfield. Despite already spending close to £300 million this summer, senior figures at the club are continuing to explore the feasibility of one more marquee addition. Isak, who cost Newcastle £63 million in 2022, has indicated a desire to depart amid stalled contract talks and increasing frustration with the club's long-term direction. Sources suggest the Magpies would demand a fee of at least £150 million – more than double their original outlay – if they are to sanction the sale. While it's unclear whether Liverpool can afford such a figure upfront, discussions internally are focused on potentially significant outgoing transfers that could help unlock the required funds. Nunez exit likely as Slot reshapes attacking options Darwin Nunez appears the most likely high-profile departure. The Uruguay forward has struggled to earn regular minutes under new manager Arne Slot, and Liverpool are open to offers in the region of £60 million. Saudi Pro League sides remain interested after Napoli moved for Lorenzo Lucca instead of pursuing the former Benfica striker. Slot's tactical vision has so far favoured more technical forwards, and with Hugo Ekitike already arriving, the club are ready to cash in on Nunez – a decision that may help facilitate Isak's arrival. Diaz edging towards Bayern switch Another key player whose future lies away from Anfield is Luis Diaz. The Colombian winger was left out of the recent pre-season clash with AC Milan, with Slot admitting post-match that 'speculation on his future' had influenced the decision. Talks with Bayern Munich are progressing well, and sources in Germany are confident a deal worth around £65 million will be completed shortly. Diaz's potential exit has become more feasible with Florian Wirtz now among Liverpool's ranks, offering a creative outlet in the final third. Though admired by the coaching staff, the financial and tactical logic behind Diaz's departure has gained traction internally. Elliott weighs up future amid interest from Premier League rivals Harvey Elliott could also be moved on if the club need to finalise funds for Isak. The England Under-21 international has attracted interest from West Ham and Brighton after admitting that he needs to put his own career progression first. Speaking while on tour in Hong Kong, Elliott told The Anfield Wrap: 'If I had my way, I'd be at Liverpool for the rest of my career. I love everything about the club. But at the same time I kind of need to be selfish and see what's best for me… It's something I need to review.' Liverpool value Elliott at around £50 million, and any sale would take them significantly closer to affording Isak outright.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Defender FINALLY makes Liverpool transfer decision
Liverpool's record-breaking summer of spending is going to have an impact on the players already at the club. We've already seen the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah leave Anfield with more Premier League title-winners tipped to follow suit. LFC x New Era Shop Now LFC Signed Merch Shop Now LFC x Titleist Shop Now Chief among them could be Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez - with the Colombian edging closer to a transfer towards Bayern Munich and Nunez retaining admirers in Saudi Arabia. Those departures would go a long way towards adding to Liverpool's transfer kitty - which could then be used on Alexander Isak. Tsimikas squeezed out by Kerkez But there are other, lower-profile players who could be also facing the exit. Among them are Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton, Ben Doak and Federico Chiesa. And another player facing an uncertain future is Kostas Tsimikas. The £40m+ arrival of Kerkez has generated a huge conundrum in Liverpool's left-back spot. We have already seen Owen Beck depart on loan - albeit having signed a new long-term deal - while Andy Robertson and Tsimikas will be further down the pecking order. Tsimikas, 29, has got suitors both in the Premier League and abroad - according to various reports - and now looks resigned to his fate. Tsimikas now expected to leave The Greek international IS willing to discuss a move away from Anfield this summer - according to a new report in GIVEMESPORT, with the player prioritising game time in the season ahead. 'Tsimikas is said to be open-minded about the next step in his career and would be willing to leave Liverpool if the right opportunity came along, especially one offering consistent first-team football,' the report reads. © IMAGO - Liverpool FC v RB Leipzig Darwin Nunez Kostas Tsimikas
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Luis Diaz left out of Milan game due to discussions over Liverpool future, says Arne Slot
Arne Slot confirmed that Luis Diaz was left out of Liverpool's 4-2 friendly defeat to Milan in Hong Kong due to ongoing discussions over his future. The Colombian attacker is being pursued by Bayern Munich, who had an opening offer of €67.5million (£58.6m; $78.8m) rejected earlier this month. The Bundesliga outfit remain determined to secure his service as talks between the clubs continue. Advertisement 'In Lucho's situation it was (linked to his future), yeah,' Slot said. 'There are a lot of rumours around it lately and I cannot go into that. He is training really well with us but we have decided, for now, not to play him yet. 'Yes (I've spoken to Diaz about it) but I am used to talking to most of my players on a regular basis. Like I said, Lucho is training really well but we've decided that he is best not playing at the moment in the games and I cannot comment much more than that.' Darwin Nunez was another high profile absentee against Milan. The Uruguayan has also been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. However, Slot insisted that his absence was fitness related. 'In Darwin's situation, he has trained really well and played a few good games for us already this pre-season. He was injured so we didn't want to take the risk,' he added. 'It was also the same with Wata (Endo) — trained with us all week but we didn't want to take a risk with him either. It is part of pre-season, the boys need to get towards match fitness and that is a thin balance, a thin line sometimes. In this situation we thought it was smarter for Darwin and Wata to sit it out today but I assume they will be with us when we are in Japan for the next game.' Asked if Diaz wants to leave Liverpool, Slot said: 'I am not the person to ask.' ()
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool duo's absence from preseason squad sparks departure rumours
Liverpool have been extremely busy in the transfer market, and while they have made some statement signings, they are also looking to sell a few players. One such player is Darwin Nunez, who is considered surplus to requirements at Anfield after misfiring last season. Another player who has been linked with a departure is Luis Diaz. Liverpool are in no mood to sell the Colombian, but if they get a substantial bid, then they will consider. Bayern Munich have shown interest in the 28-year-old winger, and they are in constant contact with the Reds to reach an agreement. Amidst the talks, Nunez and Diaz were omitted from Liverpool's squad for the preseason fixture against AC Milan in their Hong Kong tour. Once Liverpool announced their squad list for the fixture, fans were shocked to see that both the forwards were left out. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp In the last two friendlies, Nunez was in fine fettle as he scored four goals, whereas Diaz didn't feature in either of the games. Their absence from this fixture has indicated that the Reds are preparing for life after the attacking duo's departure. A look at Nunez and Diaz's stats from the 2024/25 season While Diaz has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Nunez has also been a popular name in the transfer window. Napoli tried their best to sign the Uruguayan, but they failed to reach an agreement with Liverpool. As per recent reports, Nunez is linked with a move to Al Hilal, who are seeking a replacement after getting rejected by Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. Last season, Diaz played a big role in helping the Reds win the Premier League. He primarily played on the left wing and also occasionally featured as a striker. The 28-year-old netted 17 goals and provided five assists in 49 matches last season across competitions. He stepped up in crucial games and provided Arne Slot with dynamism on the left flank with his pace, dribbling and work ethic. Meanwhile, Nunez wasn't at his best last season, but registered seven goals and four assists in 45 games. Only time will tell if it is a temporary absence or if the two players will eventually move away from the Liverpool squad this summer. Liverpool news and related links Jamie Carragher shockingly gets multiple Liverpool transfer predictions right Liverpool record signings: List of most expensive transfers as Reds land Hugo Ekitike Bayern Munich identify 'in demand' star as Luis Diaz alternative
