Darwin Nunez: Liverpool close to signing Benfica star for a record-breaking fee

Liverpool has made a bid for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez worth £68 million plus £17 million in add-ons, according to reports.

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Seplveda, the Reds have made the above offer to bring the highly-rated Uruguay international to Anfield, breaking the club’s previous record transfer of £75 million for Virgil van Dijk.

He confirmed this in response to the original post by reputable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Nunez has piqued the interest of numerous clubs across Europe, with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United among the most vocal supporters.

This season, he scored 26 goals in 28 league matches and six in Europe’s top competition, the UEFA Champions League.

Jurgen Klopp, the manager, is said to be ‘crazy’ about the player. Following their Champions League quarter-final meeting this season, the German made some complimentary remarks about the 22-year-old.

“Extremely good-looking boy. Really good, really good,” Klopp beamed. “He played pretty much in front of me, with his tough battles with Ibou Konate.

“Physically strong, quick, was calm with his finish. If he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

Nunez is expected to join at the same time as Sadio Mane, who is expected to leave for Bayern Munich this week.

The Reds recently turned down a £30 million bid, but it’s expected that the two clubs will reach an agreement around Liverpool’s £42.5 million asking price.

Nunez, as a direct replacement, brings a very different skill set to the table than the Senegalese international, but he’s a near-guaranteed goal scorer who, at 22, still has room to grow.

As the hours go by, it is looking more likely that the former Almeria player will be announced in the very near future.

Although the fee is high by Liverpool’s standards, Nunez could have an exciting season under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance.