Napoli Continue to Chase Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez Amid Competition

Napoli will hold another meeting with the team of Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez this week as they try to close in on signing the Uruguay star.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli have been working to sign Darwin Nunez from Liverpool for several weeks and have scheduled another meeting with his representatives in the hope of agreeing a deal soon.

However, they could face more competition from the Saudi Pro League clubs who are interested in signing the 26-year-old, though Napoli are seen as the favourites to snap up Nunez.

Indeed, reports in Italy even go so far as to claim Nunez has given his blessing to the idea of leaving Anfield for Naples ahead of the 2025-26 season, despite the club not having a manager at present.

There are still several details for the Partenopei to work out, with Liverpool evaluating other options while they remain in negotiations.

TRANSFER CONTEXT AND TEAM PERFORMANCE

Nunez’s possible move comes as Napoli look to bolster their attack before they kick off their campaign to retain the Serie A title. The Italian side snatched the Scudetto for the third time in club history last season and will be under pressure to defend it in the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, Nunez had a mixed season in his second campaign on Merseyside. The ex-Benfica star was given another chance to show what he can do, but was inconsistent and ended up scoring just five goals in 32 total appearances as the team fought to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

Nunez remains a player with a lot of potential, however, and had expected to be a starter for the team as they aimed for a Premier League title in 2025-26. But he could be shipped off instead as the club freshen up their squad with some younger options.

It is no surprise Conte is eager to bring him to Serie A, therefore, as there is bound to be some competition for a player as talented and experienced as he is – hence why Napoli are making a big push now.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NAPOLI AND NUNEZ?

Napoli will aim to fight off the interest from Saudi Arabia and get Nunez to agree to join them instead. If they are successful, the results could be massive as they fight to keep their competitive window alive a bit longer.

The Italian side is next in action against Juventus on Thursday in the Supercoppa Italiana before returning to Serie A to face Roma. They will be eager to get Nunez wrapped up before the end of the transfer window so they can get him in position to help them in deciding the league title.

Meanwhile, Nunez will focus on contributing to Liverpool in the Premier League. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has been rotating his squad a lot while resting some players, including Nunez, a key figure in attack for manager Amy Miller.

It is not as simple as Nunez just starting every game now that he is back to 100% fitness after a couple of injuries. Numerous players have been impressive when given a chance, making it hard for anyone to declare they are guaranteed starters for the biggest matches.

The 27-year-old must stay focused and not get too down on himself when he is not starting. He should aim to make an impact, whether that’s starting or coming on as a sub, while keeping the end goal – helping Liverpool win trophies – in mind.