Darwin Nuñez: Evolution or Revolution?

The arrival of Darwin Nuñez, almost certainly to be followed soon by the departure of Sadio Mane, as Bayern Munich’s
pursuit of the Liverpool number 10 looks to be reaching a conclusion, may signal something of a clearcut to Liverpool fans.

However, despite growing fan enthusiasm for replacements in the midfield and fears over the departure of Mo Salah still rumbling on, it seems unlikely Liverpool will be mounting a large scale transfer campaign in the current window.

It has never been the way during the Klopp, and indeed FSG era, for the club to make huge net losses in a window. The initial £64m, possibly rising to £85m fee for Darwin Nuñez, has rival fans crying “hypocrisy”. However, the aforementioned departure of Mane, the recent departure of Divock Origi, the expected departure of Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, and renegotiated, lower wages of high earner, James `Milner will undoubtedly cover the majority of Nuñez’ fee while significantly reducing the wage bill.

While fans are now looking towards Jude Bellingham to rejuvenate an ageing and injury prone midfield, a reported £100m price tag is likely to prove prohibitive. No matter how much Bellingham, a life-long Liverpool fan dreams of the deal materialising, Borussia Dortmund won’t let him go for cheap. He’s young and there’s still time.

Renegotiated deals for Milner this summer and Henderson last year suggest the club are not looking to have a midfield clear out and Liverpool’s raids of Fulham over the last couple of seasons, seeing two of the country’s hottest midfield prospects added to the ranks in Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott, signifies a gradual approach to rejuvenation of the team. Neither of the young midfield additions is likely to be first choice next season. Klopp is nurturing talent here, with primarily Milner likely adopting a mentor role. He’s won it all, multiple times and experienced all the highs and lows over his 21 year career at the top level. What better player is there for such a role?

The arrival of Luis Diaz in January, added skill, pace and resilience to the forward line. As the intensity of Klopp’s style has almost certainly been a contributing factor to the frequent injuries suffered by the team in the last couple of years, in addition to opposition targeting of our pacy forwards. Forward line rotation, despite the imminent departure of Mane, without significant detriment to the team’s strength, is now a very real possibility.

Nuñez and Diaz are both capable of playing anywhere across the front three. Diaz’ primary role on the left sees an almost like for like replacement of `Mane. Darwin being a natural selection through the middle adds an even greater goal threat from the middle. Theoretically, this addition, which adds pace to an already fast attacking line and creativity, should relieve pressure on the wingers for goals and assists when he plays. It also adds a wider variety of tactical options with Diogo Jota, in my opinion, more of a poacher and Roberto Firmino the ever-unselfish creator, although sometimes to his own detriment. It seems that gone are the days of just throwing big Divock into the mix in the 80th minute (Don’t get me wrong here, I bloody loved that guy!)

Personally, I can’t rank Nuñez against either Jota or Firmino. They are three very different, fantastic players. What a problem to have!

It remains to be seen what will happen with Mo Salah’s contract and, while he has confirmed he will remain at Liverpool for another season, Liverpool are likely already scouting a long-term replacement. Accusations of greed have been levelled at Salah in recent months, but has more than justified a position as one of the game’s top earners over his Liverpool career. However, I don’t believe his stalling is related to any personal monetary gain, given his well-known philanthropy. I firmly believe he has been waiting for assurances of a continuation of the Klopp project.

Potentially, he has been waiting to see who, of him and Mane the club would let go first, believing that revolution and both departing in the same window. However, should Mane go, as expected, it should be a clear warning to Salah that the club view, as they always have, any player as ultimately replaceable. I can envisage a January departure, should an offer come in and Salah’s non-commitment continues.

It is after all a business and a well-run one too. Besides, as my Grandad has always told me, there’s no room for sentiment in Football. As much joy as he has brought us all, if his actions ultimately prove to be negative to the team as a whole, it would be wise to say goodbye sooner rather than later.

It is unclear where a player of Salah’s style would fit in and enjoy anywhere near the success and status he has at Liverpool anyway. The addition of Diaz, Nuñez, and Jota is hopefully seen by Salah as a statement of long-term intent, prompting him to commit to a team seemingly guaranteeing its position at the top tier of world football for seasons to come.

For the time being, however, he remains at Liverpool. The squad has a depth I can’t recall seeing before and Klopp, criticised early in his tenure for a lack of a ‘Plan B’, now has plans B and C up top.

Liverpool Football Club continues to evolve under Jurgen Klopp.