Matheus Nunes: Sporting star pauses massive move to Prem rivals as belief over Liverpool transfer emerge

Matheus Nunes is attracted by the prospect of joining Liverpool to play in the Champions League, it has been claimed.

Sporting CP midfielder Nunes is currently a target for Wolves in the Premier League, where he would add to an existing Portuguese contingent. However, there have been links with more established clubs like Liverpool or Manchester City.

Liverpool’s interest could grow in the wake of an injury to Thiago Alcantara. The midfielder could be out for six weeks, which will deprive Jurgen Klopp of arguably his most creative option in the centre of the pitch.

It could serve as a reminder of the importance of squad depth, especially when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is already on the sidelines as well.

Nunes has been linked with Liverpool after enjoying three seasons with Sporting in Portugal. He has played in the Europa League and Champions League with the club – and still has the latter on offer this season.

Therefore, despite links with Wolves, the 23-year-old is waiting for the best possible opportunity. And according to Correio de Manha, he would be keen to hold out for a club competing in Europe’s top competition.

Liverpool can provide him with a platform in the Champions League. And given the decreasing options available to them in midfield, it may help them to bring him in.

The Portuguese outlet has claimed that Wolves’ latest attempt for Nunes is a bid worth €45million (£38million), plus €5million (£4.2million) in variables.

And his salary of around €40,000 per week (£33.8k approximately) would be within reach for Wolves. There may be some work to do to convince him, though.

Now, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool are tempted to enter the running for Nunes. They still have several options in their midfield, including some promising young talents.

Matheus Nunes must weigh up several factors

Previous claims have therefore indicated that Liverpool will not be in the market for another midfielder this summer. It is an area they could revisit in 2023, though.

Whether Nunes will be available then – or even their prime target – is another matter. But from his side, there could well be an interest in playing for someone like Liverpool, or Manchester City.

There would be several factors to weigh up for Nunes. While Wolves cannot give him the European football he wants, they would be more likely to offer him a regular starting role.

Could Matheus Nunes solve Liverpool's midfield problem?

Liverpool have turned their attention to Matheus Nunes as a potential Jude Bellingham alternative.

Of course, he could be backing himself to make an impact for whoever he joins. It is not as if he has been playing at a low standard with Sporting.

But competition for places is high in the midfields of Man City and Liverpool. Hence, his waiting game might depend on what happens with some of those existing options.

Only a few weeks remain of this summer’s transfer window, so perhaps he will come to a conclusion soon.

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