According to recent reports from Sky Italy, Napoli have emerged as serious contenders to sign Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez in a move that could shake up the transfer market. The Serie A giants are reportedly eyeing the 25-year-old forward as a potential replacement for their star striker Victor Osimhen, whose future at the club remains uncertain amid interest from several top European clubs.
Darwin Nunez to Napoli? The Serie A side are prepared to pay £47.4m for the Liverpool striker, according to Sky in Italy 🇮🇹
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 8, 2025
That would be broken up into an initial £43m payment plus £4.4m in add-ons. They are also prepared to pay him up to £100,000 a week after tax - or between… pic.twitter.com/SxyQM9oWhX
Napoli’s Interest in Núñez
Sky Italy suggests that Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna and manager Antonio Conte view Núñez as an ideal fit for their attacking system. Despite his inconsistent finishing during his time at Liverpool, Núñez’s raw pace, physicality, and work rate make him an attractive option for Conte’s high-intensity style of play. The Uruguayan’s ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates aligns well with Napoli’s tactical setup, which has thrived on dynamic forwards in recent years.
The report indicates that preliminary discussions have taken place between Napoli and Núñez’s representatives, with the Italian club exploring the feasibility of a deal. Liverpool, however, are unlikely to let their £85 million signing depart easily, especially after only two seasons at Anfield. Napoli would need to present a substantial offer to convince the Premier League side to part ways with the striker.
Why Núñez to Napoli Makes Sense
Since joining Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a club-record fee, Núñez has been a polarizing figure. While his athleticism and knack for getting into goal-scoring positions have earned him praise, his erratic finishing has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. In the 2024-25 season, Núñez has struggled for regular starts under new manager Arne Slot, with Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo often preferred in the central striker role.
A move to Napoli could offer Núñez a fresh start in a new league, where the pressure might be less intense than at Liverpool. Serie A’s tactical nature could also suit his playing style, allowing him to exploit spaces behind defenses while working under Conte, a manager renowned for improving forwards. Napoli’s recent success, including their 2022-23 Scudetto triumph, makes them an ambitious destination for the Uruguayan.
The Osimhen Factor
Napoli’s pursuit of Núñez is closely tied to the future of Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has been linked with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal, with Sky Italy reporting that Napoli are bracing for his potential departure in the summer of 2025. Osimhen’s exit would leave a significant void in Napoli’s attack, and Núñez is seen as a high-profile candidate to fill it.
However, the financial aspect of the deal could prove challenging. Liverpool are likely to demand a fee close to what they paid for Núñez, while Napoli would need to balance their books after potentially receiving a hefty sum for Osimhen. Sky Italy notes that Napoli could explore a cash-plus-player deal to sweeten the negotiations, though no specific players have been mentioned.
What’s Next?
While the rumours are still in their early stages, Sky Italy reports that Napoli are serious about pursuing Núñez and will monitor his situation at Liverpool closely over the coming months. The striker’s performances in the second half of the 2024-25 season could play a pivotal role in determining whether Liverpool are open to negotiations.
For now, Núñez remains a Liverpool player, but the prospect of joining Napoli under Antonio Conte in a vibrant, football-mad city like Naples could be tempting. If the move materializes, it could mark a new chapter in the Uruguayan’s career, potentially unlocking the world-class potential that many believe he possesses.
