The speculation surrounding Darwin Nunez’s future at Liverpool has intensified following the club’s Premier League title triumph. Many reports suggest the Uruguayan striker’s departure is likely ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Although Liverpool had a successful campaign, Nunez’s future is still in doubt. The forward lost his place in the starting lineup with the arrival of Arne Slot last summer.
This analysis explores the strategic reasons why Liverpool are considering selling Darwin and evaluates three of the most viable replacement options.
The Tactical Disconnect Under Slot
Darwin Nunez’s natural game revolves around explosive bursts of pace, physical duels, and instinctive finishing in chaotic situations. However, Slot’s preference for controlled build-up play and structured attacking movements requires forwards who can execute complex combination play and maintain possession under pressure.
The Uruguayan’s tendency to lose the ball in crucial areas and his bad first touch become critical in a system that prioritizes technical execution over physicality.
🚨🔵 Napoli are preparing one more round of talks with Darwin Nunez’s camp this week to make progress on deal.
There are more clubs keen also from Saudi Pro League but Napoli have been trying for weeks… and currently still on it.
🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/5a3rtWYpth pic.twitter.com/op9WYRkfl6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2025
The positional demands of Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation also present challenges for Nunez. The Dutch coach expects his central forward to drop deeper to link play, create space for wingers, and participate in intricate passing combinations.
This role requires a different skill set than the direct, vertical running that characterizes the 25-year-old’s most effective contributions.
Looking back at Liverpool’s most fluid attacking moves this season, it became clear that they usually happened when central positions played the most technical players. This points to a tactical preference that may not suit Nunez’s strengths.
Financial Pragmatism And Squad Evolution
Liverpool’s reported valuation of 60 million euros for Nunez shows their recognition of his market value and their desire to recover a substantial part of their initial investment. This pricing strategy suggests the club believe this is the right time to strengthen their squad while keeping financial flexibility for other potential targets.
The economic reasoning goes beyond just immediate transfer fees. Nunez’s high wages, paired with his limited effectiveness in Slot’s system, reveal an inefficient use of resources. Liverpool’s success in winning the title without the newcomer as a regular starter shows that the team can perform well without him.
Darwin Nunez has scored 25 goals from 40.34(xG) since joining the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/wgJNbvugF2
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) June 18, 2025
In addition, the club’s desire to strengthen their attack indicates a coordinated strategy to improve their offensive line. The arrival of players like Florian Wirtz, who possess a variety of technical qualities, suggests Liverpool’s intention to create a more technically proficient attacking line that is more suitable to Slot’s philosophy.
Strategic Timing And Market Dynamics
Interest from Serie A clubs, especially Milan and Napoli, offers Liverpool real options for Nunez’s exit. The Italian market’s appreciation for physical strikers who can operate in more direct systems makes this an ideal destination for the Uruguayan. His attributes may be better used and valued elsewhere.
Liverpool’s timing appears strategically sound. Darwin retains big market value due to his age, international experience, and proven goal-scoring ability at the top level.
Waiting another season could potentially diminish his transfer value if he continues to struggle for consistent playing time under Slot. The current market conditions, with numbers clubs seeking striker reinforcements, create a good selling environment.
Top Three Replacement Options
Alexander Isak. The Complete Forward
Alexander Isak has become Liverpool’s primary target, as the ideal central forward for Slot’s method. The Swedish player has top technical skills and tactical intelligence for Liverpool’s new strategy. His ability to drop deep, link up play, and create space matches perfectly with the club’s positional needs.
Isak’s capacity to drift wide, create overloads, and then make well-timed runs into the box shows the multidimensional threat. Unlike Nunez, whose movement can be predictable, the Swede’s positioning constantly evolves based on the game situation, making him difficult to mark.
🚨 Liverpool are prepared to smash the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak this summer.
(Source: @JacobsBen) pic.twitter.com/kWSIyfpGEz
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 19, 2025
The technical aspects of Isak’s game, his first touch, passing accuracy, and ability to receive the ball under pressure, would immediately upgrade Liverpool’s attack.
His experience in the Premier League eliminates adaptation concerns, while his age profile offers long-term value. However, Newcastle United’s reluctance to sell and the potential transfer fee complicates the negotiation process.
Victor Osimhen. Physical Presence with Technical Growth
Victor Osimhen represents a more physical option, with Liverpool reportedly interested despite competition from other clubs. The Nigerian striker offers a different profile than Isak but possesses qualities that could complement the club’s system in specific situations.
Osimhen’s physical presence provides the Reds with a different strategic dimension, particularly useful against defensively compact teams.
His aerial ability and hold-up play could prove valuable in games where Liverpool struggle to break down deep defensive blocks. Unlike Nunez, Osimhen makes better decisions in the final third and shows improved technical consistency.
A 20 year old Victor Osimhen against Chelsea during the 2019/2020 Uefa Champions league. WHAT A BALLER!! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/D0uiNixwIW
— (Fan) Victor Osimhen (@Akinsjnr3) June 17, 2025
His experience in high-pressure play, including Champions League football with Napoli, suggests he can handle the demands of playing under Slot.
His versatility across the front line offers tactical flexibility that the coach could draw on. However, concerns about his injury history, his demands for a high salary, and possible problems with adaptation to the PL’s pace remain considerations.
Hugo Ekitike. The Emerging Talent
Hugo Ekitike has become a big target, particularly if Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak proves unsuccessful.
The French striker represents a more speculative but potentially rewarding investment, offering immediate contribution possibilities and long-term development.
Ekitike’s technical profile suits closely with Slot’s wishes. His ball-carrying ability, press resistance, and capacity to play in tight spaces mean he could thrive in Liverpool’s system. His youth provides flexibility, as he can be developed specifically to meet the club’s tactical needs rather than having to unlearn old patterns.
Hugo Ekitike has scored 35 and assisted 18 goals across the 6,409 minutes he has played in league football in his career to date. That’s 0.74 G/A p90.
A very solid track record. ✅ pic.twitter.com/9ZgxNZrOb6
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 18, 2025
Yet Eintracht Frankfurt is demanding at least 100 million Euro for his transfer, which is too expensive for a promising youngster who has not yet fully established himself as a top-class performer.
Final Thoughts
Darwin Nunez’s potential departure from Liverpool represents more than a simple transaction. It symbolizes the club’s evolution under Coach Arne Slot. The disconnect between the Uruguayan’s playing style and the club’s new strategic direction makes his exit a logical progression.
Each of the three replacement options offers advantages that align more closely with Slot’s requirements. Isak provides immediate quality and PL experience, Osimhen brings physical presence with technical improvement, and Ekitike offers developmental potential.
After all, Liverpool’s success in this transition will depend not only on selecting the correct replacement but also on how effectively they integrate their new striker into Slot’s framework.
