Gary Neville has expressed concern over Liverpool’s potential sale of Darwin Nunez, warning that losing the striker in January could derail their Premier League title aspirations.
Nunez, who joined Liverpool in 2022 for up to £85m, has faced challenges adapting under new manager Arne Slot. Reduced to a rotational role, he has managed only seven league starts and four goals this season.
Despite mixed performances, his raw talent and potential have drawn interest from clubs worldwide, including Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
Reports suggest Liverpool recently rejected a £70m bid for the Uruguayan forward, with Al-Hilal preparing an improved offer.
While Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher supports the idea of selling Nunez, Neville believes keeping him until the season’s end is essential to maintaining their title momentum.
Currently sitting four points clear atop the Premier League with a game in hand over Arsenal, Liverpool’s lead could prove fragile. Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher admitted he would “take the risk” of selling Nunez, acknowledging that Diogo Jota’s injury-prone nature could leave Liverpool short up front.
“If you’re sure the bid will be there in the summer, maybe keep him,” Carragher said. “But if not, it’s a lot of money to gamble with. It’s about balancing that risk.”
Ian Wright also voiced his opinion, arguing Liverpool should cash in on Nunez’s inconsistent performances: “He should be doing much better by now. If they can get £70m, it’s fantastic business.”
Despite such sentiments, Neville sees Nunez’s value in Liverpool’s title charge, suggesting he could be instrumental in the latter stages of the season. “He’s streaky, but when he’s in form, he can make a big difference,” Neville stated. “I wouldn’t take the risk of selling him now—it might cost Liverpool the league.”
Liverpool’s recent 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest underscored their need for firepower as they navigate a challenging campaign. As they prepare to face Brentford this weekend, the debate over Nunez’s future intensifies.
Should Liverpool keep faith in their record signing, or will the allure of a lucrative transfer sway their decision? Only time will tell if Neville’s warning proves prophetic.