Iraola pushing to re-sign Núñez for Liverpool in £17m deal

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's new manager, is reportedly 'pushing' hard to re-sign Darwin Núñez from Benfica this summer. The Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Iraola has been impressed by the Uruguayan's performances this season and wants him back at Anfield.

The background: Núñez's Anfield stint and departure

Darwin Núñez spent two seasons at Liverpool after joining from Benfica in a club-record £85m deal in 2022. He scored 33 goals in 97 appearances, showing flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. Last summer, with Arne Slot replacing Jürgen Klopp, Núñez was sold back to Benfica for a reported £17m – a significant loss on the initial investment.

At Benfica this season, Núñez has rediscovered his best form. He has netted 22 goals in 38 matches across all competitions, including 15 in the Primeira Liga. His pace, power, and direct running have made him a handful for defenders, reminiscent of his pre-Liverpool days.

Liverpool's current forward line includes Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and young Ben Doak. However, with Salah turning 33 next season and Jota's injury record, Iraola may see Núñez as a valuable addition to provide depth and a different tactical option.

Tactical fit: How Núñez could slot into Iraola's system

Andoni Iraola, who took over Liverpool this summer after a successful stint at Bournemouth, favours a high-pressing, fast-transition style. Núñez's strengths – explosive acceleration, relentless pressing, and ability to run in behind – align perfectly with Iraola's philosophy. His 6'1" frame also adds an aerial threat that Liverpool currently lack from open play.

Núñez's best position is as a central striker, but he can operate on the left or right. This versatility would allow Iraola to rotate between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, using Núñez as a focal point or as a wide forward cutting inside. His link-up play has improved, averaging 1.8 key passes per game this season, up from 1.2 during his final Liverpool campaign.

Defensively, Núñez makes 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes – high for a striker – which would help Liverpool initiate their press from the front. This is a key requirement for Iraola, whose Bournemouth side ranked top five in the league for pressing metrics.

Transfer market context: £17m fee and comparable deals

The reported £17m fee would be a bargain compared to the £85m Liverpool originally paid. For context, similar recent Premier League striker signings include Liam Delap to Ipswich for £20m and Matías Soule to West Ham for £25m. Núñez, at 26, is entering his peak years and has proven Premier League experience.

If the deal goes through, it would represent a redemption arc for both player and club. Liverpool recouped only a fraction of their initial outlay last summer, but could now benefit from a resurgent Núñez on favourable financial terms.

Fantasy Premier League impact

Núñez currently has a 12.5% ownership in FPL and is priced at £7.5m. A return to Liverpool, where he would likely be a regular starter, could see his price rise to £8.0m. In the 2023/24 season, he averaged 4.8 points per game at Anfield. With Liverpool's favourable fixture run after Gameweek 20, he could become a differential pick for FPL managers.

Title race and European implications

Liverpool are currently third in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Arsenal with 14 games remaining. Adding Núñez could bolster their attacking depth for the run-in, particularly in the Champions League knockout stages. His European experience with Benfica and Liverpool would be invaluable.

However, the deal is far from complete. Benfica are in a strong negotiating position, with Núñez under contract until 2028. They paid a club-record fee for him last summer and would be reluctant to sell at a knockdown price. Fichajes' report should be treated with caution, as the Spanish outlet is not always reliable for English club news.

What's next for Liverpool and Núñez

Liverpool's top priority remains signing a new defensive midfielder, but Iraola's interest in Núñez suggests the club may pursue two or three new players in the summer window. For Núñez, a move would depend on Benfica's asking price and his own desire to return to the Premier League. The next few weeks could see negotiations intensify, but as of now, no official bid has been made.