Darwin Nuñez: Anfield’s new Red

“Extremely good-looking boy,” laughed Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp. He was talking about his team’s new signing of Darwin Nuñez. He then made sure to note, “and a decent player as well”. Decent, indeed. The Uruguayan striker finished as the top scorer in the Primeira Liga in the 2021-22 season, with 26 goals over 28 games. He also had the best minutes/goals ratio of any forward to play 1,000+ minutes across Europe’s top six leagues. He averaged more non-penalty goals per 90 than any other player in Europe’s top six leagues.

Liverpool signed Nuñez on a six-year £85 million deal. His initial price is £64 million, but if he reaches certain milestones, the fee will rise to £85 million. The club has said they view this signing as another way to compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title. From the time that Nuñez scored twice against Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals, it has seemed like he was destined for a future at Anfield.

Brazilian legends Cafu and Roberto Carlos agree that the Liverpool signing of Nuñez was deliberate and thought-out.

“Look, every time Liverpool acquires a player, it’s a spot-on purchase,” said Cafu. “Klopp is a very, very smart coach, very good. He’s been doing well at Liverpool for many years. So if he wants to get this player, it’s because Liverpool really wants to bet a lot on him.”

Nuñez will wear the No. 27 shirt for Liverpool and is now the third Uruguayan to sign with the club, along with Luis Suárez and Sebastián Coates.

Nuńez said he is excited to play for Liverpool because he expects to win. “That’s one of the reasons why I came here to Liverpool – to win trophies and titles,” said Nuñez. “I want to win a lot of trophies at Liverpool.”