Premier League side Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to shell out close to €100 million to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica.
According to Uruguayan journalist Rodrigo Romano, new developments are expected in the saga involving Darwin Nunez’s possible move to the Premier League in the summer transfer window. Newcastle United are one of the clubs interested in the young striker and are reportedly ready to accept the Portuguese’s side demands.
The two parties have been involved in discussions over a summer move for Nunez and figures close to €100 million have been quoted, a figure Magpies are ready to pay. Newcastle are not the only club linked with the 22-year-old with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid also showing interest in him.
Nunez has had a breakthrough season with Benfica, scoring 34 goals across competitions for the club. Six of his goals came in the UEFA Champions League, and he notably scored in both the legs of Benfica’s quarter-final tie against Liverpool.
The Uruguayan striker’s performances on the European stage have made other clubs take notice and explore the possibilities of signing him in the summer. Nunez still has over three years left on his contract with the Portuguese giants, whom he joined in the summer of 2020 from UD Almeria.
His first season with Benfica was quite fruitful as well, as Nunez scored 14 times and assisted 12 goals for them across competitions. But it was in the 2021/22 season that he exploded onto the scene. The Benfica centre-forward has also been deployed as a left-winger this season, and he has scored ten goals from the position, highlighting his versatility, which could have alerted Newcastle.
Newcastle are preparing for a crucial summer window, with their new owners pumping in transfer funds to start a rebuild under manager Eddie Howe. The former Bournemouth boss took over with the club in a tricky situation in November last year, with zero Premier League wins under their belt.
Howe ensured Newcastle bounced back from the situation, eventually leading them to an 11th-placed finish in the league table. Nunez could prove to be a brilliant signing, but Newcastle will have to beat competition from other interested parties for the South American striker. However, a bid worth €100 million could do the trick.
