Darwin Núñez Future in Doubt as Liverpool Weigh Florian Wirtz Swap Deal
Darwin Núñez’s future at Liverpool is under increasing scrutiny as the club prepares for a major summer reshuffle — and a potential blockbuster move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Núñez is one of several players who could be moved on during the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool keen to retool their squad under new head coach Arne Slot. Among the top targets is 22-year-old German star Florian Wirtz, for whom the Reds have already submitted an initial bid worth over €100 million, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Swap Deal in Consideration
Sources close to Empire of the Kop suggest that Núñez, who scored just seven goals in 47 appearances this past season, is open to a fresh start. His representatives have begun exploring new opportunities, and one scenario under evaluation is a player-plus-cash swap deal involving Wirtz.
With Leverkusen valuing Wirtz at between €130 million and €150 million, including Núñez could help bridge the financial gap. While Liverpool’s primary approach is still a cash bid, they may pivot to a swap deal if negotiations hit an impasse.
Suitors Lining Up for Núñez
Should Leverkusen decline the swap proposal, there’s no shortage of interest in the Uruguay international. Atlético Madrid, Napoli, and several Saudi Pro League giants — including Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli — are reportedly monitoring his availability.
With Núñez turning 26 in June and doubts persisting over his fit in Slot’s system, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes may view this as the optimal moment to cash in. Despite Núñez’s raw talent and high work rate, his inconsistency in front of goal has raised questions about his long-term role at Anfield.
What Next?
Much will depend on two key factors: whether Núñez would agree to a move to Leverkusen, and whether the German champions see him as a suitable addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad.
As Liverpool aim to make an early statement in the transfer market, the potential Núñez-for-Wirtz swap deal is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most intriguing sagas.
