Manchester United To Miss Out On Darwin Nunez With Striker Liverpool Bound

Despite Manchester United’s best efforts, it appears that Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is now set to sign for Liverpool. 

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag reportedly travelled to Portugal earlier today in a last-ditch effort to secure the striker. However, TalkSPORT are reporting that his efforts were in vain and that Nunez to Liverpool is now “all but done.”

Whereas United have been linked with the Uruguayan striker who scored 34 goals in 41 games last season for some time, Liverpool seemingly entered the race late. But, despite their interest in the striker only beginning to be widely reported earlier this week, it seems he will be Merseyside bound. 

Despite United’s interest in Benfica’s star striker for some time being well known, several stumbling blocks have stood in the way of the deal for some time.

Darwin Nunez

Firstly, United have seemed intent on strengthening their midfield first and foremost, with their heavily reported chase of Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong seemingly taking priority.

Additionally, it has been reported that Nunez wants to play Champions League football next season.

With this being something United cannot offer the 22-year-old at this time, his reported destination of Liverpool makes a great deal more sense. 

Additional details on the transfer as reported by TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook revealed that the deal will be a record transfer for the club.

The original fee is reportedly set to be £68million as an upfront payment, with additional performance based add ons raising the fee over time. 

Crook also claimed that this situation mirrored that of United’s pursuit of Erling Haaland, where the club “would have loved to sign Erling Haaland, but that was never going to happen because he wanted to play Champions League football, and I think it’s a similar story with Darwin Nunez.”

Erling Haaland has been calculated as the most valuable player in the Premier League (Image: PA)

With a primary target seemingly slipping away from United’s grasp, it now seems like it’s time for the club to turn their attention back to other forward options.

Despite Ten Hag’s inability to change Nunez’s mind, it was reported earlier Thursday that the club are now in talks with his former player Ajax’s Anthony. The Brazilian winger contributed to 22 goal involvements last season, and is reportedly available for £52million. 

Ten Hag also seems closer to securing the signature of De Jong, after United put in their opening offer recently.

Erik ten Hag in discussion with Frenkie de Jong as Ajax thrash Real Madrid in 2019 (Alamy)