Former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique has called on Benfica star Darwin Nunez to snub Manchester United for Liverpool and said the Uruguayan can become ‘world class’ at Anfield.
The striker scored a remarkable 34 goals in 41 appearances for the Portuguese side across the 2021/22 campaign and has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe ahead of the summer transfer window. Unsurprisingly his exploits, which included six Champions league goals and two against Liverpool in the quarter-final, have led to a significant number of clubs showing an interest.
Despite the wide variety of potential suitors, reports emerged that Manchester United are favourites as they look to rebuild an under-performing and divided squad under new manager Erik ten Hag.
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And Enrique strongly discouraged the Uruguayan from making the move. “I hope this is not true and he comes to us instead,” the Spaniard wrote on his Instagram story in response to an article suggesting United are favourites for his signature. “We [Liverpool] should go for him, a top player who can become world class under [Jurgen] Klopp if we sell Sadio Mane."
Enrique’s declaration comes amid the news that Sadio Mane reportedly wants to leave Anfield with Bayern Munich favourites for his signature if they can meet Liverpool’s asking price. Nunez could be seen as an ideal replacement - although his rumoured £60m price tag may put off new Sporting Director Julian Ward.
Both the Reds and United would be likely to face competition from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, who have all been credited with showing an interest. West Ham and Newcastle reportedly made approaches for the striker back in January.
Klopp himself has previously expressed his admiration for Nunez, hailing him ahead of Liverpool's Champions League meeting with Benfica. Back in April, the German said: “He’s a good striker. The next one from Uruguay!
"I don’t know how they play together - Cavani, Suarez and him, in one team – that’s probably a challenge to put that in place. Top, top boy. Yes, the goals he’s scored. Obviously the one against Ajax in Amsterdam was a massive one, yes in the group stage as well, so he’s not shy."
The race for Nunez is likely to be one of the transfer sagas of the summer across Europe. But if Mane departs and the Reds are able to find a price they are happy with, there is no doubt the Uruguayan would be a good addition.
