Napoli Close to Signing Liverpool Striker Darwin Nunez

Napoli are set to sign Darwin Nunez from Liverpool, Goal can confirm.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli have agreed a fee worth an initial €55 million (£47m/$58m) with Liverpool for Nunez, with a further €15m (£13m/$15m) to be included in add-ons; The Reds will also pay £100% of the player’s wages during the first 12 months of the contract – which is set to run six-and-a-half years – before it reduces by half in the second year.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Nunez has struggled since moving to Liverpool from Benfica two years ago, scoring just 11 goals in 57 appearances. While he has often been praised for his work off the ball, he was criticised for his profligacy in front of goal, missing 21 big chances this term across all competitions. As such, Napoli hope he can refind his fine form shown in Portugal which led to Liverpool shelling out around €100mn (£87m/$105m) to land him.