Liverpool pinpoint one club capable of signing Darwin Núñez at a discounted price.

Liverpool are planning a summer swoop for a new striker, with Darwin Núñez expected to leave Anfield after three seasons. The club is actively preparing for the Uruguayan’s departure and is eyeing a specific destination that could give them an edge in securing his replacement.

Núñez has struggled to make a consistent impact at Liverpool, particularly under Arne Slot this season, and is eager to move on from the Premier League champions. His wish looks likely to be granted, with Atletico Madrid showing strong interest—manager Diego Simeone is reportedly a big admirer of the former Benfica star.

Liverpool are open to selling Núñez to the La Liga side for a significantly reduced fee, reportedly around £35 million, well below their initial valuation. This willingness stems from a strategic play: Liverpool are hoping that by offering Núñez to Atletico at a discount, they can facilitate a deal for Julian Alvarez, one of their top targets to replace the outgoing striker.

Although they have previously shown interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Liverpool have shifted their focus to Alvarez, who has impressed during his first season with Atletico after leaving Manchester City. Bringing him back to the Premier League would likely require a club-record bid.

Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but Liverpool’s approach appears to be a calculated attempt to leverage Núñez’s sale to gain an upper hand in landing their preferred replacement.