Napoli Continue Nunez Talks with Liverpool as De Laurentiis Steps In Personally
Napoli are making a major push to sign Darwin Núñez from Liverpool, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis stepping in personally to lead negotiations. As the Italian giants prepare for a summer of transition, the pursuit of the Uruguayan striker signals both ambition and urgency — and it could become one of the most high-profile moves of the transfer window.
Talks between Napoli and Liverpool are well underway, according to sources close to both clubs. While no agreement has been finalized, the Italian side is said to be highly motivated to strike a deal and views Núñez as the ideal replacement for Victor Osimhen, who is widely expected to leave in the coming weeks.
De Laurentiis, known for being directly involved in big-name deals, has reportedly taken the reins in discussions with Liverpool executives. His personal involvement is seen as a sign of how seriously Napoli are taking the pursuit. The club president is believed to be exploring various deal structures — including an initial loan with an obligation to buy, a staggered payment plan, or a straight cash offer with add-ons based on performance and appearances.
The Osimhen Factor
The urgency behind Napoli’s interest in Núñez stems in large part from the likely departure of Victor Osimhen, who has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea. With a massive fee expected for the Nigerian forward — possibly in the €100 million range — Napoli are looking to reinvest wisely and secure a dynamic replacement before the new season begins.
In Núñez, they see a striker with a similar physical and tactical profile: tall, fast, strong in the air, and relentless in his pressing. Though his time at Liverpool has been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance often overshadowed by erratic finishing, the 25-year-old still boasts immense potential. In two seasons at Anfield, Núñez has scored 33 goals in all competitions and shown the kind of raw explosiveness that once made him a record signing for the club.
A New Chapter for Núñez?
Liverpool’s stance on Núñez remains cautious. With Arne Slot stepping in as the club’s new manager, there’s a sense that Núñez could be given a fresh opportunity to prove himself during preseason. However, with competition from the likes of Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Mohamed Salah, there’s also a possibility the Reds could sanction a sale if a substantial offer arrives.
For Núñez, a move to Napoli could offer a much-needed reset. In Serie A, under the guidance of a demanding coach like Antonio Conte, he could thrive as the focal point of a system tailored to his strengths — especially with creative talents like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano supporting him on the flanks.
A Risk Worth Taking?
Napoli know they are not just buying a striker — they are potentially buying their new face of the franchise. Osimhen’s departure will leave a massive void, not just in goals, but in leadership and personality. Núñez, with his fiery spirit and undeniable potential, could be the perfect figure to carry that torch forward — if the environment allows him to flourish.
Of course, there are risks. His inconsistent finishing and confidence swings have been well documented in England. But Napoli have a strong track record of unlocking players’ potential — just look at Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia, and even Lorenzo Insigne before them.
What’s Next?
As of now, negotiations are active and ongoing. De Laurentiis is expected to meet with Liverpool’s representatives again this week, and a breakthrough could come quickly if both sides find common ground on valuation and payment structure.
Should the deal go through, it would be one of the standout transfers of the summer and a bold statement of intent from Napoli: a club that refuses to fade into the background and is determined to rebuild with style, strength, and a new star leading the line.
The ball is now in Liverpool’s court — and all eyes are on Darwin Núñez’s next move.
