Darwin Nunez transfer to Liverpool done as big update reveals breakdown of deal and former coach tells Klopp what to expect

Liverpool are on the brink of formally announcing the Darwin Nunez transfer after reports in Portugal revealed a ‘total agreement’ has been reached over his move from Benfica.

The Uruguayan striker has emerged as Liverpool’s top target of the summer after a blistering season. Nunez scored 32 goals, adding a further four assists, from just 40 appearances. That form earmarked him as one of the world’s elite marksmen. Now Liverpool have wasted little time in agreeing a deal.

With Sadio Mane making clear his intentions to quit – Bayern Munich, though, have seen a second offer laughed off – the Reds have zoned in quickly on Nunez.

Portuguese clubs are often regarded as tough negotiators. But Liverpool, having also signed Luis Diaz from Porto in January, are close to unveiling Nunez now too. And both deals, it seems, have been sorted with the minimum of fuss.

Indeed, concrete news of Liverpool’s move for Nunez first emerged on Wednesday morning. And it seems negotiations have progressed quickly with reports late last night claiming the player has now agreed personal terms.

The 22-year-old has reportedly agreed a five-year deal at Anfield, keeping him at the club until 2027.

Now, according Record, the two clubs have, through the night, thrashed out details of the transfer. And it will ultimately amount to a club-record deal for the Merseysiders.

Darwin Nunez transfer timeline

They claim Liverpool £68.4m up front with a further £17.1m made up of achievable bonuses. That amounts to a total package worth £85.5m – some way clear of the previous record amount of £76.1m Liverpool spent on Virgil van Dijk.

Record states that Liverpool are now drawing up the official documents over the transfer. And these are expected to be signed ‘as soon as possible’ with little expected to get in the way.

There remains some negotiations over payment dates, though that is not expected to be difficult to finalise.

And the report concludes that Nunez is following the situation closely from the Uruguay camp. He wants the signing finalised in the coming days and before he goes on holiday.

Former coach tells Klopp what to expect

Despite Mane’s departure, the signing of Nunez will ensure Liverpool FC remain one of the most feared sides in world football.

And the striker’s former coach Jose Gomez, who worked with him at Almeria, is tipping Nunez to have a massive impact at Anfield.

“(He is) Physically very powerful and with tremendous potential,” Gomez told Record. “He is an athlete of 1.90 metres and with tremendous speed. The speed he has allows the team where he plays to reach the opposing goal very easily.

“Not only for the coach himself, who is a motivator and an enthusiast but also for the style of play he advocates.

“Klopp likes to play looking for spaces in the back of the opposing defensive lines, which means that we can say that Darwin will feel like a fish in water. That’s because speed and quick attack are characteristics that he favours.”

Liverpool bid £85m for Darwin Nunez from Benfica

Liverpool have bid £85 for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez who wants to play for Jurgen Klopp

Truth be told, Liverpool rarely get signings wrong – and Nunez looks another excellent coup for Klopp’s side.

The Reds have to be admired for the efficiency they have shown in the market. Once Mane made it clear he was leaving, they have wasted little time in replacing him with the very best out there.

And if he can hit the ground running, Liverpool may well be pushing to win four trophies again next season.

Mane’s sale is likely to see Liverpool recoup as much as £40m, while progress is being made on the sale of Takumi Minamino. His agent is flying in for talks with five clubs all in the mix to sign the £17m-rated star.

If both sales go through as planned, that’s £57m in the bank for Liverpool towards the record outlay for Nunez. Impressive transfer business.