Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy has claimed that Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is on Liverpool’s transfer radar.
Reddy was speaking to Sky Sports Football on YouTube (7mins 42secs). During the interview, the journalist said that Liverpool have recently been focussing their scouting towards signing talents from Portugal.
“I know Liverpool’s scouting focus heavily on this region,” said Reddy whilst in Lisbon. “Keep an eye on the Benfica players, you might see them in a Liverpool shirt soon – Darwin Nunez, who has been looked at for a long time.”
Reddy was speaking prior to Liverpool’s win last night. Nunez went on to have an impressive game and managed to get himself on the scoresheet.
Nunez passes his audition
If Liverpool are weighing up a move for the Uruguayan Nunez, then last night he gave a decent enough audition. The Reds scouts have a great track record in recent years and it’s easy to see what they like about Nunez.
The 22-year-old was a constant threat for Benfica. He is deceptively quick for a relatively tall forward and his willingness to run in-behind caused Ibrahima Konate some problems.
It was a great battle with Konate throughout the game, one which Liverpool’s French defender just about got the better of.
But Nunez did manage to show his finishing ability. Pouncing on an error from Konate, he took a lovely composed touch and swept the ball past Alisson Becker. His 28th goal in 35 games this term.
The big striker did at times go to ground a little too easily when in good positions. But overall, he showed the kind of pace, movement and tenacity that could see him fit in nicely at Liverpool.
Luis Diaz’s impact for The Reds has reportedly convinced Nunez that his future lies in the Premier League (90min). On this evidence he has the attributes to make himself a success in England.
Diaz’s late goal means that Liverpool have a nice little cushion to take into the second-leg at Anfield next week. They won’t be complacent though, with players like Nunez trying to potentially catch Klopp’s eye, there’s still work to do.
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