Barcelona eyeing move for Liverpool star who Carragher slammed for ‘unforgivable’ performance: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly interested in Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez whom Jamie Carragher reckons could be sold this summer.
According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, Barca are keeping tabs on Nunez who has endured a topsy-turvy spell at Anfield. The Uruguayan frontman has bagged 18 goals and 13 assists in 50 games across competitions.
The report doesn't delve further into Barcelona's interest and they could struggle to convince Liverpool to part ways with the 24-year-old. The Reds reportedly turned down an offer from Chelsea for Nunez last summer.
Nunez joined the Merseysiders from Liga Bwin side Benfica in July 2022 for €85 million. This was a club record deal and the jury is out on the Uruguay international and whether he's living up to his price tag.
Barcelona's interest comes as Robert Lewandowski, 35, enters the twilight of his career. The Blaugrana signed Victor Roque, 19, last summer but the Brazilian forward has made a slow start with the La Liga giants.
Thus, the Catalans could turn to Nunez who was majorly criticized this week after a poor showing in a 2-0 loss to Everton. He spurned a big chance in the potential title-costing defeat at Goodison Park on Wednesday (April 24) and Carragher gave a brutal analysis on Sky Sports:
"The chance that Nunez misses before half-time, that is unforgivable at this level. That is not acceptable at this level, certainly when Liverpool are going for the title."
Nunez has four years left on his contract and Transfermarkt values him at €70 million. A decision over a potential sale will be made by Liverpool's new chief Michael Edwards and incoming sporting director Richard Hughes.
Jurgen Klopp won't have a say as he's leaving Anfield at the end of this season. This could open the door for Nunez's departure as the German reportedly went against the Reds' recruitment team to bring him to Merseyside.
Liverpool could also cash in on Luis Diaz and Barcelona are frontrunners: Reports
Liverpool could be set for a huge rebuild under Edwards and Hughes this summer. It remains to be seen how the duo view Klopp's squad with the legendary German leaving at the end of the season.
Nunez was evidently a Klopp signing and so too was Luis Diaz who joined from FC Porto in January 2022. The Colombian winger has impressed during his time at Anfield and managed 13 goals and four assists in 47 games across competitions this season.
However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Liverpool are starting to lose patience with Diaz. He features on Barcelona's summer wishlist as the Catalans search for a pure winger.
Diaz, 27, has three years left on his contract with the Reds and Barca may have to fork out a hefty fee to acquire his services. The Merseysiders could ask for as much as £123 million (€105.3 million), per Colombian outlet El Heraldo.