Newcastle United ‘Interested’ in signing £71m Liverpool star – Report

Newcastle United appear determined to strengthen their attacking options this summer, and recent developments have intensified their interest in Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

The club has officially walked away from pursuing Hugo Ekitike, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward who had long been on Eddie Howe’s radar.

Negotiations failed to gain traction, and with Frankfurt reportedly sticking to an £85 million valuation £15 million higher than what Newcastle were willing to offer the Magpies decided to pursue alternative targets. The fallout from this failed pursuit has caused a reshuffling of attacking plans on Tyneside.

According to Sport Bild, Ekitike now looks poised to join Liverpool, with Arne Slot seemingly eager to inject new life into his frontline.

This shift has not only opened a pathway for Ekitike’s Premier League switch but also prompted Newcastle to explore new possibilities.

Top of their list now appear to be Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen and Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez. Osimhen, while undoubtedly talented, would command a massive fee and attract fierce competition from several elite European clubs.

Nunez, however, presents a more realistic target and has emerged as a player Newcastle believe they could lure away.

Nunez joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022 for £71 million amid massive hype following an explosive season with Benfica.

But his time at Anfield has been inconsistent at best. While the Uruguayan forward showed glimpses of quality, particularly with his direct running and raw energy, he failed to establish himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s attacking trio.

In Slot’s first season at the helm, Liverpool lifted the Premier League title, but Nunez’s contribution was modest—just seven goals over the campaign. For a striker of his price tag, those numbers raise questions about fit, consistency, and future prospects.

The 26-year-old’s struggle to meet expectations has led to speculation that a departure may suit all parties. Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike, coupled with Nunez’s peripheral role, signals that change is on the horizon.

Reports indicate that Newcastle are seriously weighing a move for the Uruguayan as they seek to reinforce their squad ahead of a crucial campaign.

They aim not just to maintain their top-six status but to push for Champions League qualification again. Strengthening up front is central to that ambition, and with other options scarce in a bloated market, Nunez presents an attainable yet high-upside opportunity.

Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s talismanic forward, remains untouchable despite reported interest from Liverpool. While Isak is said to be open to a move to Anfield, Newcastle are in no mood to sell.

The Swedish striker is pivotal to Howe’s plans, and prising him away would likely require an astronomical bid—something Newcastle are confident they can resist. This makes Nunez not only a fallback option but potentially the centerpiece of their summer recruitment drive.

Meanwhile, Nunez has attracted interest beyond the Premier League. AC Milan and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are both monitoring his situation closely.

However, a move within England—particularly to an ambitious club like Newcastle—might appeal to the forward, especially if he desires to prove himself in the same league where he’s yet to meet expectations.

For Liverpool, the Ekitike acquisition could mark the beginning of a new era in attack. The Frenchman’s record—22 goals in 48 appearances for Frankfurt—suggests he could be the dynamic and technically sharp striker Slot wants.

Unlike Nunez, whose game is based on speed and physicality, Ekitike brings a blend of intelligence and versatility, fitting the mold of Slot’s preferred playing style. This may also explain why Liverpool are prepared to part with Nunez, freeing up space for a better tactical fit.

From a Liverpool supporter’s viewpoint, seeing Nunez depart would be bittersweet. There’s always a lingering fear that a player like him, brimming with potential yet unrefined, could find form and flourish elsewhere.

Should that happen at a domestic rival like Newcastle, the regret will undoubtedly intensify. Yet, the reality is that his chapter at Anfield is drawing to a close. Whether it ends with a quiet exit or one last flash of brilliance remains to be seen.

As the transfer window unfolds, attention will remain fixed on how both Newcastle and Liverpool reshape their attacks.

With the Magpies pushing hard for Nunez and the Reds on the verge of bringing in Ekitike, the stage is set for a domino effect that could reshape the offensive dynamics of two of England’s most competitive clubs heading into the new season.