Florian Wirtz can 'unlock' wanted Liverpool star as Hugo Ekitike transfer nears completion

Florian Wirtz can 'unlock' wanted Liverpool star as Hugo Ekitike transfer nears completion

Nunez's future under Arne Slot is unclear but he could finally be "unlocked" by new signing according to some Liverpool readers

Darwin Nunez has been on fire for Liverpool so far in pre-season (Image: Getty Images)

Darwin Nunez's future at Liverpool is unclear after falling down the pecking order and struggling to get on the scoresheet under Arne Slot. The impending arrival of young French star Hugo Ekitike could mean the end of his time at Anfield - but some fans in the Liverpool ECHO comments section say that they've seen a way that he could offer real value to the club.

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Nunez forced himself back into the picture at the weekend during Liverpool's second friendly match of the pre-season period, scoring a first-half hat-trick against Stoke City. It's a friendly against Championship opposition, but it makes a decision on his future a little more complicated for Slot, as other business that the club has done this summer, like the addition of Florian Wirtz, may prove to elevate him.

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A move to Italian club Napoli looks to be off after their interest cooled, but Nunez still has his admirers in the Saudi Pro League, and Liverpool could choose to offset their significant summer spending by selling him regardless of his preseason performances. Hugo Ekitike will want to be Slot's starter in the striker position, and so Nunez may consider looking elsewhere for more playing time.

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Some fans say there is still a place for Nunez at Liverpool, if he wants it. Reader Rosscoltd says: "I hate to say I told you so, but Wirtz could have the keys to unlock Nunez. Plus if we keep him and he's still no good, he will be worth the same next summer as his contract runs to 2028."

Commenter Nwa agrees: "I’ve been saying the same thing. Wirtz is the final piece that will elevate Nunez to the player we know he can be."

Doctorchillgood writes: "This reshuffle — more support, more creativity and space through midfield — might finally unleash Darwin football-wise. But there’s a mental side to it too, a reset, for the squad and for him. And with the new lads coming in and big price tags flying about, some of that pressure might lift.

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"I’d love to see him just settle, focus on his game, and let the football do the talking. Hopefully now he can just play his football — not chasing the price tag or trying to prove himself to the doubters every time he steps on the pitch."

ScouseIan says: "I'm beginning to think it would be good business to give Nunez one more season unless someone comes in with a very good offer."

Guille writes: "Big mistake to sell Nunez for a bargain price, as other clubs expect. He still has time to make a U-turn and we don't have to waste money in bringing a striker when we don't know if it will work out."

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Others say it still feels like the road has run out for Nunez. Kw101 says: "I think the ship has sailed for Nunez, which for me, is a shame. He has everything to be a top striker and he's going to have the season of his life with someone, just think it may not be us. He's entering his prime and if the penny drops once he's left it'll be a shame.

"As one of the supporters that's always rooted for him, I'd still be thinking keep him for a year. We (sadly) need forwards and he is a great option and is looking sharp in pre-season. But if he goes, it's an acceptance it just hasn't worked. So wherever you are Darwin, good luck!"

Cyclingcylon writes: "I think everyone hoped Nunez would score loads. But, three years later, I'm past hoping he does. It's time to try someone different, while wishing Nunez all the best wherever he ends up."

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Have your say! Would you fight to keep hold of Nunez if his pre-season performances keep up like this? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

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