Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez is on the verge of a sensational transfer to Atlético Madrid, with reports indicating that the Uruguayan forward has given his “green light” to the move, potentially marking the end of his turbulent three-year stint at Anfield. The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a club-record £85 million (£64 million initial fee plus up to £21 million in add-ons), has struggled to meet expectations under manager Arne Slot, prompting speculation about his future. With Atlético Madrid emerging as the frontrunners, the transfer saga is heating up as both clubs navigate the complexities of a deal that could reshape their attacking lines.
According to multiple sources, including Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Núñez has reached a verbal agreement with Atlético Madrid, expressing enthusiasm for joining Diego Simeone’s squad. The La Liga giants see Núñez as a potential successor to Antoine Griezmann, believing the Uruguayan can rediscover the form that saw him score 48 goals in his final season at Benfica. Atlético are confident that Simeone’s tactical discipline can unlock Núñez’s potential, pairing him alongside former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, who has netted 29 goals since joining Atlético last summer. However, negotiations between the clubs remain a sticking point, with Liverpool determined to recoup a significant portion of their investment, while Atlético prefer a loan deal with an obligation to buy, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Núñez’s time at Liverpool has been a rollercoaster. Despite scoring 40 goals across all competitions in three seasons, including just seven in the 2024-25 campaign, his inconsistent finishing and limited starts under Slot—only eight in the Premier League—have fueled doubts about his long-term fit. Arne Slot’s preference for other forwards, coupled with Núñez’s struggles to adapt to the Dutchman’s system, has seen him relegated to a substitute role in 21 matches this season. The Mirror reported that Liverpool are open to cashing in but face challenges in recovering the £64 million initial outlay, with a potential fee exceeding €45 million being a sticking point for Atlético, who are also targeting midfielders and a central defender.
The transfer buzz has also drawn interest from other clubs. Napoli, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, and Fenerbahce (under José Mourinho) have been linked, with Napoli reportedly exploring a blockbuster swap deal involving Victor Osimhen. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal also made an approach in January, offering £70 million, but Liverpool rebuffed it to maintain their title push. Despite these options, Núñez’s preference for Atlético, where he believes he can thrive under Simeone, has given the Spanish club the edge. Yahoo Sports noted that Núñez turned down a lucrative Saudi move to stay in Europe, underscoring his ambition to prove himself at the highest level.
For Liverpool, the potential departure of Núñez is part of a broader squad rebuild following their 2024-25 Premier League triumph. The Reds are eyeing replacements, with Lille’s Jonathan David and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki among the targets, the latter boasting a €22.5 million (£19 million) release clause. A swap deal involving Atlético’s Julian Alvarez has been mooted, though no concrete progress has been reported. With Núñez’s final Liverpool appearance potentially against Crystal Palace on Sunday, where the Reds will lift the Premier League trophy, fans are bracing for a bittersweet farewell to the enigmatic striker.
The transfer’s outcome hinges on negotiations, with Liverpool holding firm on a straight sale to maximize returns. Atlético’s need to offload striker Ángel Correa to fund the deal adds another layer of complexity. As the summer window looms, Núñez’s move to Atlético could signal a fresh start for the Uruguayan, while Liverpool look to reinvest in a squad poised to defend their title.
