Report: What Liverpool are already doing behind the scenes as Nottingham Forest watch Darwin Nunez
03/28/2025 01:00 PM
Nottingham Forest’s reported interest in Darwin Nunez has rocked fans with its sheer unexpectedness, but Liverpool look to be working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the Uruguayan’s departure.
On the eve of an FA Cup quarter-final, attention on the game has been completely overshadowed by Evangelos Marinakis’ reported pursuit of the chaotic Liverpool striker.
Forest fans reacted in shock to the Nunez rumour with arguments made both for and against signing the 25-year-old as competition for Chris Wood, with a level of confidence displayed about the impact Nuno Espirito Santo could have on Nunez’s unpredictability.
The Reds supporters won’t have too long to wait to see if the Nunez interest is legitimate as the Premier League have announced a mini-transfer window in June that could see Forest act, especially given what Liverpool are already doing to capitalise on the interest.
Liverpool are already preparing for life without Darwin Nunez
Forest have joined a seemingly long queue to secure the services of Nunez, with plenty of sides across Europe considering a move for the Liverpool man.
According to TEAMtalk: “Atletico have started evaluating the financial feasibility of a deal [to sign Nunez], hoping to negotiate a suitable transfer fee. […] Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Nunez.
“Liverpool and Arsenal's interest in Magpies frontman Alexander Isak has prompted them to consider various striker options for the summer, even if they will do all they can to keep Isak.”
Liverpool could well be spoilt for choice, then, leaving them plenty of scope to start looking for his replacement.
The report continued: “Given that Slot hasn't been convinced by Nunez since his first weeks at Liverpool, and with multiple clubs showing interest, Nunez's departure seems almost inevitable.
“Liverpool will need to bring in a new centre-forward to replace the Uruguayan and work is already being done behind the scenes with that in mind.”
Given that Forest are expected to make a move for Matheus Cunha, it’s worth considering how the Reds’ top target compares with Nunez.
How Matheus Cunha and Darwin Nunez compare amid Forest links
There were concerns raised when stats revealed Cunha’s poor work rate, but in all other aspects of attacking play, he looks to have the clear edge over Nunez.
| Statistic | Matheus Cunha | Darwin Nunez |
| Goals | 15 | 7 |
| Shots on target (per 90) | 1.47 | 1.12 |
| Chances created (per 90) | 1.85 | 0.75 |
| Successful dribbles (per 90) | 2.06 | 0.75 |
| Duels won (per 90) | 6.25 | 5.15 |
The goals will be indication enough for some but the Forest coaching staff will be interested in delving a little deeper, showing that Cunha has more shots on target and creates more for his teammates per game than the Uruguayan.
Wolves’ talisman is also a lot stronger in the dribbling department but most worryingly for Nunez, Cunha also has the edge in duels won per 90 despite the Liverpool striker’s larger frame.
Cunha’s £62.5m release clause gives Forest a clear figure to aim for in their pursuit of the striker so if Nunez is to even be considered, you’d assume that his price tag would have to sit significantly below Cunha’s clause.
