Liverpool is being encouraged to part ways with Darwin Nunez after his underwhelming performances since joining the club in 2022.
Signed from Benfica for an initial £64m, the deal could rise to a club-record £85m, but the Uruguayan striker has struggled to justify the hefty price tag.
Nunez, who scored an impressive 34 goals in his final season at Benfica, has been unable to replicate that form at Anfield.
Over his first two Premier League campaigns, he has managed just 20 goals, and this season under Arne Slot, he has only scored three times in 20 appearances. His inconsistent displays have seen him start fewer than half of Liverpool’s league games.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes it’s time for the Reds to “cut their losses” with Nunez.
“He’s just not delivering what Liverpool paid for,” Pennant told Casino Apps. “Yes, he works hard and brings energy, but for his price tag, you expect consistent goals. After this season, it’s unlikely we’ll see significant improvement in him.”
Pennant suggests that Liverpool offload Nunez to a European club and reinvest in a more reliable striker.
He has named Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as an ideal replacement. Isak, who has scored 43 goals in 83 appearances for Newcastle, is also reportedly being monitored by Arsenal and Chelsea.
“Isak has everything Liverpool need in a number nine,” Pennant said. “He’s fast, creative, and a proven goalscorer. His movement and ability to link play make him a nightmare for defenders. The goal he scored against Liverpool recently is a perfect example of his quality—it was all his own doing.”
Pennant also reflected on the comparisons between Nunez and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland when they both arrived in the Premier League.
While Haaland has thrived, Nunez has struggled to adapt, falling far short of expectations. Despite these concerns about Nunez’s future, Liverpool has defied predictions of a downturn following Jürgen Klopp’s departure.
Under Arne Slot, the team leads both the Premier League and Champions League heading into the festive season, showcasing their continued strength and ambition.