Report: AC Milan to Submit Darwin Nunez Bid Amid Liverpool Reshuffle
AC Milan are preparing to table a formal offer for Darwin Nunez this week, according to a report by DaveOCKOP, as they attempt to navigate Liverpool’s €70 million valuation. The 26-year-old forward, who has featured heavily in Liverpool’s pre-season preparations, could become the latest high-profile departure from Anfield.
The Rossoneri are unlikely to meet Liverpool’s demands up front and, as reported by journalist Alwaleed Alanzi, are “set to offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy” due to budget constraints. After finishing eighth in Serie A and failing to secure European qualification, Milan’s finances are limited, despite a managerial change and the marquee signing of Luka Modric.
“AC Milan want to sign Darwin Núñez on loan due to insufficient budget to meet Liverpool’s financial demands,” tweeted Alanzi.
Despite interest from Saudi giants Al-Hilal and prior talks with Napoli, Liverpool have stood firm on their asking price. The earlier Napoli talks stalled due to disagreements over valuation, while Al-Hilal are in a stronger position to meet the fee should they wish to reignite negotiations.
Milan’s upcoming offer, though tentative in structure, signals a critical juncture in Nunez’s Anfield future.
Liverpool weighing financial and tactical benefits
Nunez’s exit could free up valuable funds and squad space as Liverpool continue to restructure under Arne Slot. Hugo Ekitike’s arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt adds further competition in the forward line, and Liverpool remain keen on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
As DaveOCKOP revealed last week, “we exclusively revealed [Isak] would submit a formal transfer request should his move to Anfield not accelerate.” The funds recouped from a Nunez departure could be decisive in pushing the deal through.
Nunez’s record of 47 appearances and seven goals last season masks a deeper issue – the Uruguay striker started just eight times. For a forward signed for big money and big expectation, the impact has been modest, even with standout moments against Newcastle in 2023 and a dramatic finish at Brentford more recently.
Slot’s new tactical demands and emphasis on fluidity may not suit Nunez’s profile, despite his evident work rate and explosive athleticism. His pre-season form, including a hat-trick against Stoke and a brace versus Athletic Bilbao, shows glimpses of promise, but perhaps too late to change the club’s wider thinking.
AC Milan’s intentions reflect wider European market trend
Milan’s proposal of a loan with an obligation to buy reflects a broader European trend where elite clubs outside of the Premier League are struggling to compete financially.
Massimiliano Allegri, back at Milan for a second spell, is keen to overhaul a side that underperformed domestically and is now without Champions League revenue. A forward like Nunez, still young and with experience at the highest level, fits their rebuild profile.
What remains to be seen is whether Liverpool will accept a deferred structure or insist on an immediate sale, especially with Premier League rivals also watching the forward market closely.
“AC Milan are expected to make a formal offer for the 26-year-old this week,” the DaveOCKOP report states. That could set off a domino effect involving Isak and potentially further forward arrivals.
While Nunez retains a degree of cult admiration among supporters, particularly for his rawness and emotion, there is a growing sentiment that the time is right to part ways.
“While Nunez will likely retain some supporters who remember his crucial goals against Newcastle United in 2023/24 or his late heroics at Brentford this past season, the broader fanbase appears ready to move on,” DaveOCKOP rightly observe.
The direction of Liverpool under Slot appears to be shifting towards more technical, interchangeable players in attack. That evolution may simply not leave room for Nunez, regardless of his potential.
What Milan propose could be Liverpool’s best route to move on a player who has struggled to consistently justify his fee, yet still retains market value.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool fans are deeply divided on Darwin Nunez. There is no questioning his passion or work ethic – he plays with his heart on his sleeve and wears the shirt with pride. The hat-trick in pre-season and the goals against Bilbao remind us what he can do. But Liverpool are not in a position to wait forever for consistency.
Arne Slot is clearly building something different. The Ekitike signing shows a move towards forwards who offer more link-up play and positional flexibility. Darwin, for all his energy, can look chaotic in build-up and too erratic in decision-making.
The emotional weight of this summer, following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, means any changes to the forward line are being scrutinised even more than usual. Fans want stability and precision, and if Isak is truly attainable, then sacrificing Nunez becomes understandable.
If Milan’s offer allows us to move quickly on our targets, then most Reds would accept it, especially if it includes a firm obligation to buy. We wish Darwin well if he leaves – he gave us moments we’ll remember, but maybe not enough of them.
