One of the most exciting young forwards in football has officially joined Liverpool.
The Reds finalized a deal with Benfica on Tuesday to sign Darwin Nunez for a potential club-record fee. The move is subject to a work permit and international clearance.
Liverpool agreed to pay as much as €100 million, or £85 million, to complete the acquisition, Benfica said in a statement. The deal includes an initial €75 million (£64 million) up-front and a potential €25 million (£21 million) in performance-related bonuses.
“It’s a pleasure to be here in Liverpool and I’m very happy to be a part of this great club,” Nunez said. “I’ve played against Liverpool and I’ve seen them in lots of games in the Champions League, and it’s my style of play … I want to win a lot of trophies at Liverpool.”
Nunez opted to join Jurgen Klopp’s side over Manchester United, who apparently expressed interest in the Uruguayan international before their rivals hijacked the negotiations.
The 22-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Reds.
Nunez will likely replace Sadio Mane in Klopp’s lineup and form a devastating attacking triumvirate with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. Mane is reportedly ready to move to Bayern Munich after claiming all there is to win over six trophy-laden seasons with Liverpool.
Fans can expect the same high-tempo, energetic performances from Nunez, who scored 32 goals in 38 appearances in the Primeira Liga and Champions League last season. Over the past two years in Portugal, Nunez showed an appetite to track back and dribble in the channel, often drifting to the left like Mane.
Two of Nunez’s goals came in Benfica’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Liverpool in April. The showing was enough to give Klopp a good first impression.
“He has all the pieces we look for. He can set a tempo, he brings energy, he can threaten space from central and wide areas. He is aggressive and dynamic with his movement,” Klopp said after Nunez was unveiled Tuesday.
“We have wonderful attacking options already and he becomes part of that now. So there is no pressure on him at all. He signs for a very long time and we intend to nurture his talent and see it grow.”
Klopp also complimented Diaz before signing him from Porto in January for a reported £37 million. The Colombian winger played in both of Porto’s Champions League games against Liverpool in the group stage.
Liverpool are in the final stages of closing a deal for Darwin Nunez in a transfer that could see the Uruguayan become the club’s new record signing.
The 22-year-old forward is set to undergo a medical after Liverpool agreed to pay an initial €75-million fee to sign him from Benfica, the Portuguese club announced Monday.
That figure could rise to €100 million with add-ons, Benfica noted.
If the performance clauses are satisfied, Liverpool will end up paying more for Nunez than for their current club-record signing Virgil van Dijk, who the Reds acquired from Southampton in 2018 for £75 million.
Nunez’s medical may not be finished until Wednesday, as the promising young attacker will arrive in Madrid to undergo tests before putting pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Anfield for the next six years.
Manchester United were in the mix to sign the coveted forward. Nunez said he prefers to play in the Champions League and has his heart set on joining Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Initial talks with Nunez are understood to have begun during the Champions League quarterfinals – between Liverpool and Benfica – when Klopp and Van Dijk approached him, Joyce reports. Nunez scored twice over two legs against his future employers in a losing effort for Benfica.
Once the deal is complete, Benfica will be expected to pay Nunez’s former club Almeria 20% of any profit above the £20.4 million that they paid to sign him two years ago.
Last season, Nunez led Benfica and Portugal’s Primeira Liga with 26 league goals in 28 appearances. He also scored six in the Champions League and has two goals in 11 games for Uruguay.
Nunez’s arrival could coincide with the departure of prolific Reds scorer Sadio Mane, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich. Liverpool have reportedly rejected two offers and won’t consider bids worth less than £40 million for the Senegalese star.
Two of the biggest fish in this summer’s free-agent pond – Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger – have already been snapped up. However, there’s still a wildly impressive crop of stars who have decided to run down their contracts and hit the open market – a growing trend in world football. Below, we’re guessing the landing spots for 20 of the most desirable players available on a Bosman.
Honorable mentions: Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Dries Mertens, Andrea Belotti
Paul Pogba ??
Age: 29 Position: Central midfielder Potential suitors: Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain
Deja vu. Pogba is leaving Manchester United for the second time, and Turin – again – seems his likeliest destination. Reports suggest a four-year deal is imminent, with Pogba set to reunite with Max Allegri and, hopefully for Juventus, add panache to a midfield desperately lacking that type of spark.
? Prediction: Signs for Juventus
Paulo Dybala ??
Age: 28 Position: Forward Potential suitors: Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid
Since Dybala’s departure from Juventus was confirmed, a switch to rivals Inter has been in the offing. The Argentine’s agent met with the Nerazzurri brass last week, and continued talks are expected. When healthy, the left-footed attacker is one of Serie A’s most spellbinding talents.
? Prediction: Signs for Inter Milan
Ousmane Dembele ??
Fran Santiago / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 25 Position: Winger Potential suitors: Barcelona, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain
A clear fracture exists between Dembele and Barcelona’s front office, but the oft-injured Frenchman looked spectacular on the pitch under Xavi. Despite playing fewer than 1,500 minutes, Dembele led La Liga in assists last season. His creativity and playmaking are appreciated by former boss Thomas Tuchel.
? Prediction: Signs for Chelsea
Franck Kessie ??
Age: 25 Position: Central midfielder Potential suitors: Barcelona
Barcelona’s infamous financial situation is likely the only thing holding up Kessie’s move. After playing a vital role in helping AC Milan end their Scudetto drought, the Ivorian midfielder might find himself in a more intense fight for minutes in Catalonia. How he slots into Xavi’s team will be fascinating.
Di Maria’s decorated tenure at Paris Saint-Germain is now over, and he’s mulling a few options. He wants to play one more season in Europe before returning home to Argentina. Juventus, where he can help bridge the gap until Federico Chiesa returns from his ACL tear, seems a good fit.
? Prediction: Signs for Juventus
Gareth Bale ?gbwls
Soccrates Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 32 Position: Forward Potential suitors: Cardiff City, Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma
One thing is certain with regards to Bale’s future: he’s not joining Getafe. After leaving Real Madrid, the Welshman could seek a lower-leverage situation where he can focus on being in top shape for the World Cup. Cardiff City may seem an improbable destination, but the Bluebirds fit Bale’s need.
? Prediction: Signs for Cardiff City
Andreas Christensen ??
Age: 26 Position: Center-back Potential suitors: Barcelona
Much like Kessie, all roads seemingly lead to the Camp Nou for Christensen following the end of his lengthy Chelsea career. Having played directly alongside Antonio Rudiger in west London, the next time the Danish center-back meets his ex-teammate could be as combatants in El Clasico.
? Prediction: Signs for Barcelona
Christian Eriksen ??
Age: 30 Position: Central midfielder Potential suitors: Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United
Eriksen signed a short-term contract with Brentford in January to make his uplifting return and quickly proved that he’s still more than capable of making a difference on the pitch. Romance may be dead in football, but the two sides continuing their story together would be a truly welcome sight.
? Prediction: Renews contract with Brentford
Divock Origi ??
Andrew Kearns – CameraSport / CameraSport / Getty
Age: 27 Position: Forward Potential suitors: AC Milan
Few players make Jurgen Klopp radiate quite like Origi, whom the German bench boss described as a Liverpool “legend” prior to his departure. “A pure joy … Wherever he will go, he will be successful,” Klopp added. That’s great news for AC Milan. They’ve been pursuing the clutch scorer for some time.
? Prediction: Signs for AC Milan
Luis Suarez ??
Age: 35 Position: Striker Potential suitors: River Plate, Atalanta, Lazio, Aston Villa
Suarez played the fewest league minutes of his career this past season and recorded his lowest goal tally in a decade. That hasn’t dampened his suitors’ spirits, though. River Plate, who are losing hotshot Julian Alvarez to Manchester City, have made a formal approach for the veteran striker.
? Prediction: Signs for River Plate
Fernandinho ??
Age: 37 Position: Central midfielder Potential suitors: Athletico Paranaense, Flamengo
Fernandinho caught Pep Guardiola by surprise when he announced in April that he was leaving Manchester City. The Brazilian said family considerations would factor heavily into his next move. Athletico Paranaense, where he started his professional career, are located in his home state of Parana.
? Prediction: Signs for Athletico Paranaense
Andre Onana ??
DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty
Age: 26 Position: Goalkeeper Potential suitors: Inter Milan
With a nine-month doping ban firmly in his rearview, Onana has been tipped as the long-term replacement for Samir Handanovic at Inter. Whether Onana assumes first-choice duties immediately or has to be patient for his chance, Inter fans will be happy to have someone other than Ionut Radu on deck.
? Prediction: Signs for Inter Milan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan ??
Age: 33 Position: Attacking midfielder Potential suitors: Inter Milan, AS Roma
It’s going to be a busy summer at Inter HQ. In addition to Dybala and Onana – and potentially Romelu Lukaku, among others – the Coppa Italia holders are working to land Mkhitaryan. After Roma and Inter made their respective sales pitches, it seems the Armenian has settled on Simone Inzaghi’s team.
? Prediction: Signs for Inter Milan
James Tarkowski ?gbeng
Age: 29 Position: Center-back Potential suitors: Everton, Newcastle United
With Burnley dropping into the Championship, Tarkowski is looking elsewhere to remain in the Premier League. The imposing defender won more aerial duels than any player in England’s top flight last season and would slot in nicely for an Everton side that was hopeless at defending set pieces.
Romagnoli may be the club captain, but Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu surpassed him on the depth chart. The pair became the Rossoneri’s go-to defensive duo during their stretch run to the Scudetto. Romagnoli is being eyed by Lazio, who can’t rely on 34-year-old Francesco Acerbi forever.
? Prediction: Signs for Lazio
Isco ??
Age: 30 Position: Attacking midfielder Potential suitors: AS Roma, Sevilla, Real Betis
After nine trophy-laden years, Isco departs Real Madrid, where his influence waned. He started just two league games in 2021-22. The gifted Spaniard wants to stay in his homeland and could help a Sevilla team that mustered by far the fewest goals of La Liga’s top-five finishers last season.
? Prediction: Signs for Sevilla
Axel Witsel ??
Age: 33 Position: Central midfielder Potential suitors: Marseille, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Witsel’s winding career likely has one stop in Europe remaining. The midfielder, still a key member of the Belgian national team, has admirers in England. But a move to Champions League-bound Marseille might make the most sense. He could slot in and fill the role vacated by Boubacar Kamara.
? Prediction: Signs for Marseille
Corentin Tolisso ??
Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 27 Position: Central midfielder Potential suitors: Lyon, Arsenal
It could be a summer of reunions for Lyon. Having re-signed Alexandre Lacazette, president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted he contacted Tolisso, too. After struggling with serious injuries at Bayern Munich, the Frenchman is “5,000% convinced” he can return to his physical peak.
? Prediction: Signs for Lyon
Jesse Lingard ?gbeng
Age: 29 Position: Attacking midfielder Potential suitors: West Ham United, Newcastle United
Footballers, like anyone, want to feel valued by their employer. Manchester United no longer appreciates his versatile skill set, so Lingard could be in line for a return to West Ham United. That’s where he dazzled in a red-hot loan spell last year. If the sides can make the salary figures work, it’s a no-brainer.
? Prediction: Signs for West Ham United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ??
Age: 40 Position: Striker Potential suitors: AC Milan, Inter Miami
Ibrahimovic is facing up to eight months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery in May, which complicates matters regarding his future. Re-signing with AC Milan, where his leadership of a young squad was even more important than his on-field contributions, seems prudent for all.
? Prediction: Renews with AC Milan
Already signed this summer
Kylian Mbappe – Renewed with Paris Saint-Germain Luka Modric – Renewed with Real Madrid Antonio Rudiger – Joined Real Madrid Ivan Perisic – Joined Tottenham Hotspur Noussair Mazraoui – Joined Bayern Munich Boubacar Kamara – Joined Aston Villa Alexandre Lacazette – Joined Lyon Matthias Ginter – Joined Freiburg
Paris Saint-Germain have severed ties with manager Mauricio Pochettino amid links to former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and Nice’s Christophe Galtier.
The Ligue 1 champions and Pochettino reached a mutual agreement to end their partnership after 18 months, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Pochettino and club officials held a meeting to review the 2021-22 season, and the two sides concluded that it was best to go in a different direction following a campaign that saw PSG recapture the league title but fail once again in their quest for Champions League glory.
Mauricio Pochettino’s managerial record at Paris Saint-Germain:
84 matches 56 wins 13 draws 15 losses 2.15 points per match
He’s also won three trophies. ? ? ? pic.twitter.com/7rxagYZ4ie
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 12, 2022
PSG hired the 50-year-old Argentine manager almost two years after Tottenham Hotspur dismissed him. He led Les Parisiens to Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles but oversaw another premature Champions League exit last season after a summer of adding superstars such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Georginio Wijnaldum to boost their chances in Europe.
Pochettino’s future in Paris was considered uncertain following Kylian Mbappe’s contract extension. Reports emerged that PSG were looking to move on from him and Leonardo, who the organization chose to replace with Luis Campos as its football advisor.
PSG will now focus their efforts on hiring a successor for Pochettino, whose contract was set to expire in 2023. Ornstein reports that the club has added Nice’s Galtier to the mix of candidates.
However, it’s understood that French icon Zidane is among the favorites and is being lined up to take the job in Paris. According to a report Friday, there is an agreement in principle between PSG and the 49-year-old former sideline boss, who guided Real Madrid to three Champions League titles while in charge.
