Liverpool’s scouting setup reportedly wanted to sign someone other than Darwin Nunez – Jurgen Klopp’s first choice. Instead, the star went to Chelsea.
Paul Joyce of The Times reports that Liverpool’s transfer network didn’t want Darwin Nunez to arrive as the club’s new no.9 in 2022. Nunez arrived as potentially the club’s record signing as the deal with Benfica could stretch to £85m.
The Uruguayan had scored 32 goals across his final season in Portugal, prompting the move. Above all, though, he’d impressed Jurgen Klopp.
It was the current Liverpool manager who pushed for the transfer in the wake of Michael Edwards’ departure earlier that year. he got his man and the scouts didn’t get theirs: Christopher Nkunku.
Nkunku instead remained with RB Leipzig for another year before joining Chelsea in 2023. It’s been an injury-stricken campaign for the Frenchman but he did bag 23 in all competitions in 2022/23.
Nunez scored 15, in comparison.
It brings about comparisons to 2017 when Klopp wanted Julian Brandt. He was eventually convinced to sign Mohamed Salah as an alternative – certainly the correct decision there.
Darwin Nunez or Christopher Nkunku?
Nunez, at his best, brings a lot to Liverpool. It’s just that his best hasn’t been seen for a little while now and he’s rightly facing criticism.
The forward’s finishing is erratic, bringing periods where he’s frustrating above all. He also lacks the link-up game that Roberto Firmino had in the no.9 position.
Christopher Nkunku, former Liverpool transfer target.
25th February 2024 Wembley Stadium, London, England Carabao League Cup Final Football, Chelsea versus Liverpool Luis Diaz of Liverpool takes on Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12612146 ShaunxBrooks
Nkunku is far more like Firmino and is one of the best passing forwards in Europe for consistency. He also consistently scores above his xG – the biggest criticism of Nunez.
So would Liverpool have been better off with the Frenchman? That’s hard to say and we shouldn’t forget that Nunez delivered plenty of great moments this season.
Nkunku, on the other hand, has faced an injury-stricken season with just 319 Premier League minutes. It’s difficult to say whether he’d have faced the same problems at Anfield, but Liverpool haven’t exactly been injury-free in this campaign.
So who was right? It’s hard to say. What’s clear, though, is that we’ll likely see a different type of signing going forward as Klopp steps aside.
