Darwin Núñez Nears Atlético Madrid Switch as Liverpool Prepare for Major Summer Overhaul
Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez is reportedly close to completing a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid, having given his approval for the move. This potential exit would conclude a turbulent three-year spell at Anfield for the 25-year-old, who joined from Benfica in 2022 for a record-breaking £85 million package. Núñez has struggled to find consistency under new boss Arne Slot, sparking ongoing rumors about his future.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER and other sources, Núñez has verbally agreed to join Diego Simeone’s side. Atlético see the Uruguayan as a fitting successor to Antoine Griezmann and hope Simeone’s disciplined system can help him rediscover the prolific form he showed at Benfica, where he netted 48 goals in a single season. He could potentially partner with former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, who has impressed with 29 goals since arriving last year. However, negotiations are ongoing, with Liverpool pushing for a substantial fee, while Atlético prefer a loan deal with a purchase obligation, as per Mundo Deportivo.
During his Liverpool tenure, Núñez delivered 40 goals across all competitions, but only managed seven this season. His inconsistent performances and limited starting opportunities—just eight league starts—have cast doubt on his place in the squad. Slot has favored other options in attack, relegating Núñez to the bench in 21 games this campaign. Liverpool are reportedly open to selling him, but a fee over €45 million may prove a sticking point for Atlético, who also have other transfer priorities.
Interest in Núñez isn’t limited to Atlético. Napoli, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, and Fenerbahce—now led by José Mourinho—have all been linked. Napoli even considered a swap involving Victor Osimhen, while Saudi club Al-Hilal made a £70 million offer in January, which Liverpool rejected to focus on their title chase. Despite these opportunities, Núñez is said to favor Atlético, aiming to thrive under Simeone and remain in top-level European football. Yahoo Sports highlighted his decision to turn down the lucrative Saudi deal as a sign of his competitive ambition.
Núñez’s possible exit aligns with Liverpool’s broader plans to refresh their squad after winning the 2024–25 Premier League. Potential replacements include Jonathan David of Lille and Rayan Cherki of Lyon, the latter available for a €22.5 million fee. A swap involving Atlético’s Julian Alvarez has also been rumored, though there’s no concrete progress. Núñez might play his final game for Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Sunday, where the team will celebrate their league title—possibly marking an emotional farewell for the Uruguayan forward.
The final outcome depends on continued talks, with Liverpool insisting on a full sale to recoup value. Atlético, meanwhile, may need to sell Ángel Correa to finance the deal. As the summer transfer window approaches, Núñez could be set for a new chapter in Spain, while Liverpool look to strengthen their squad for another title challenge.
