Barcelona have been linked with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez in a bid to cut squad costs by replacing high earner Robert Lewandowski.
According to The Sun, Nunez is on the radar at Camp Nou if Lewandowski becomes the victim of a squad clear out. By saving money on the veteran Poland international, Barcelona could have the resources to test Liverpool’s resolve to keep Nunez. A big money sale could even boost the transfer budget available at Anfield as they look to shape a new-look side for incoming manager Arne Slot.
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Lewandowski’s reported wages next season could be the equivalent of £27 million ($34m), around 15% of Barcelona’s entire salary limit. While Nunez is a big earner by Liverpool’s standards, he is said to be on just a quarter of what Lewandoski is on course to make. The Uruguayan, said to be “perfectly happy” at Anfield but attracted to the idea of Barcelona, is also 11 years younger than the ex-Bayern Munich star.
With four games left to play, Lewandowski has scored 24 goals in all competitions for Barcelona this season and is on course for his lowest tally since netting 25 times for Bayern Munich in 2014-15. But even that is still substantially more than the 18 Nunez has scored for Liverpool so far in 2023-24.
Liverpool’s new sporting hierarchy – Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes – may have some big decisions to make sooner rather than later. In addition to speculation about Nunez, there has been growing uncertainty about Mohamed Salah’s future at the club amid a drop in form since a troublesome injury and a very public spat with Jurgen Klopp. The Egyptian star will be 32 next month and remains a major target for the Saudi Pro League.