Liverpool are likely to have to be a lot busier in the transfer market in 2025.
The Reds chose not to do much at all in 2024, with Federico Chiesa the only permanent, immediate signing in either January or the summer.
And it wasn’t just in terms of incomings in which Liverpool were quiet. The Reds sold off a couple of fringe players but ultimately did not cash in on any important members of Liverpool squad.
Again, that could change over the next two windows. Not only are the Reds in danger of losing Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold for nothing, but other big players are seemingly attracting interest, too.
Luis Diaz has long been linked with Barcelona, while Real Madrid reportedly like Alexis Mac Allister a lot as well.
And what is in some ways a nice symmetry, the third of Spanish football’s ‘big three’ – Atletico Madrid – are now rumoured to have their eyes on Liverpool’s other South American outfielder: Darwin Nunez.
Could Darwin Nunez join Atletico Madrid?
This is a really big season for Nunez. Now into the third campaign since his £64m arrival, signs of improvement need to have been clearly made.
So far, that has not been the case. Arne Slot has used Nunez sparingly and, save for one stunner against Bournemouth, the 25-year-old has not done much during the time he has had on the pitch.
If things continue in that vein for Nunez, it would be much harder to make the case that Liverpool should keep him for a fourth season.
In that scenario, a move to a team like Atletico would make some sense. But commentating on rumours of a potential move to Madrid for Nunez, journalist Fabrizio Romano insisted that there was nothing in it.
Writing in his Daily Briefing on Wednesday, Romano also rubbished suggestions that Liverpool could try and sign Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid.
READ MORE: Danny Murphy says he’s spotted Darwin Nunez doing something ‘unusual’ on the Liverpool bench
“It’s difficult for me even to comment the Rodrygo and Darwin Nunez rumours, guys…” writes the transfer expert. “I don’t even know where these links are coming from.
“Nunez to Atletico Madrid, Rodrygo to Liverpool… trust me, now it’s all completely quiet.
“There are no negotiations or talks for these players,” Romano adds. “Nunez is completely focused on Liverpool and Atletico just spent €75m plus add-ons on Julian Alvarez two months ago.
“Rodrygo also extended his Real Madrid contract less than one year ago and he’s only focused on Real Madrid. That’s it, nothing more to say.”
Darwin Nunez entering last chance saloon at Liverpool
While it doesn’t sound as if there is anything going on in the background just yet, there is a reason that rumours regarding Nunez are especially believable.
The No.9 is a very popular figure amongst Liverpool supporters, but there’s little question that he has not been worth the money the Reds paid for him.
If Nunez flatters to deceive for a third season in succession, it would surely be time for Liverpool to cut their losses.
The Uruguay striker would have just two years left on his deal next summer and unlikely to earn a new contract, that would be the time Liverpool would have to make some of their money back.
Should that happen, we think Atletico would certainly be ones to watch. The Spaniards have deep pockets and despite recently paying the money for Alvarez, Nunez would be an upgrade on Alexander Sorloth. As for Rodrygo, forget it, it’s never going to happen… surely.
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