Darwin Nunez, the Liverpool striker, has reportedly emerged as a potential summer transfer target for Fenerbahce, managed by former Premier League rival Jose Mourinho. According to reports in Turkey, the Uruguayan forward is on a list of attacking options being considered by the Istanbul giants.
Nunez, who has netted seven goals across all competitions for Liverpool this season, faces an uncertain future at Anfield. Following Arne Slot’s arrival as head coach, succeeding Jurgen Klopp, the 25-year-old has struggled to consistently replicate the form that prompted Liverpool to invest an initial £64 million, potentially rising to £85 million, to secure his services from Benfica two seasons ago. While his second year at the club showed marginal improvement in goal contributions compared to his first, reports suggest a dip in performance under the new management, casting doubt over his long-term place in the squad.
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Turkish outlet Fanatik claims that Nunez is one of several strikers under consideration by Fenerbahce as they prepare for the summer transfer window. Mourinho, who famously locked horns with Liverpool during his spells at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, has a history of recruiting players with Premier League experience and could be looking to test the Reds’ willingness to part with their No.9.
However, the report indicates that Mourinho’s primary target is Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, with Aleksandar Mitrovic also featuring prominently on their shortlist. Nevertheless, the inclusion of Nunez suggests that Fenerbahce are exploring multiple high-profile options to bolster their attack.
Even if a move to Turkey doesn’t materialize, the report hints that Nunez is attracting significant interest from elsewhere in Europe. Atletico Madrid, Napoli, AC Milan, and RB Leipzig are all reportedly monitoring the situation, potentially leading to a competitive pursuit for his signature.
Furthermore, Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are also credited with an interest in Nunez. As previously reported, representatives from the Gulf state contacted Liverpool in January regarding a potential transfer. However, their advances were rebuffed at the time, with Liverpool keen to maintain squad unity during their Premier League title challenge under Klopp.
However, Liverpool’s stance may soften this summer, and Al-Hilal are expected to renew their efforts to secure Nunez’s services as soon as the transfer window opens on June 1st, aiming to register him in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
In a potential knock-on effect of the transfer market, should Nunez move to Al-Hilal, it could potentially pave the way for Mitrovic to depart the Saudi club and join Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in Turkey. The coming months are likely to see significant developments in Nunez’s future as several clubs weigh up their options.
