As Liverpool prepare to unveil £85.3million club-record signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica, it becomes more apparent that Jurgen Klopp’s interest in the striker originated from some months ago.
The German boss already had plans to bring in the Uruguayan striker after witnessing what he was capable of, having been wowed by the 22-year-old earlier this season back in April. And after watching the Uruguayan frontman wreak havoc twice against his Liverpool backline, the Reds boss was convinced enough to make his move.
Nunez's ability was well-documented after scoring 34 goals for Benfica in 2021-22, including six in the Champions League. But it is fair to say the 22-year-old was not quite as established as some of his goalscoring rivals in Europe’s top club competition, with Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski dominating the headlines.
However, Klopp was well aware of the danger Nunez posed to his side after scoring in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The towering striker had shown impressive composure and awareness to pounce on a mistake from Ibrahima Konate and sink his effort into the corner of Alisson Becker’s net, prompting praise from Klopp.
“Extremely good-looking boy, eh? And a decent player as well! Really good, really good, you have to say,” Klopp said of Nunez. “I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibou Konate.
"Physically strong, quick, plus calm around his finish, when he finished the goal off he was really calm. Good, really, really good. How we say in these situations… if he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”
It is safe to say Klopp’s judgment hit the nail on the head. Nunez was a constant menace in the first leg and continued that vein of form in the second tie on Merseyside, bagging a late goal to strike some fear into the Liverpool fans at making it 3-3 on the night at Anfield and 6-4 on aggregate.
He produced a sublime finish to convert from Joao Mario’s pass, with the goal decision overturned by VAR after it was initially ruled out. Then the Benfica No.9 struck a powerful volley past Alisson which would have ensured a grandstand finish, only for the assistant referee to correctly raise his flag.
He had the ball in the net three times, but unfortunately for him, only one of his strikes was legal. His efforts in the two games against Liverpool, in particular the way he spearheaded the attack in the first game, would have been enough to convince Klopp he was worth taking a chance on.
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Even if Liverpool’s attack is already burgeoning with talent, Sadio Mane’s likely exit means the 54-year-old manager needed to strengthen to avoid leaving his squad weakened by the Senegalese’s departure.
As it turns out, Klopp’s charm offensive towards Nunez had more depth than perhaps Liverpool fans would have first realised, with Nunez penning a six-year deal ahead of his £64m deal, which could rise to £85.3m due to add-ons.
And now it seems that “big career” will be played out at Anfield as he prepares to impress Klopp all over again - only this time, as his player.
