UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Matheus Nunes’s £44 million transfer clause has been removed by Wolves, making it very unlikely that the attacker will make a move to Liverpool this summer.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is believed to be a fan of the 24-year-old as he searches for a new central midfielder.
Last summer, Wolves signed Nunes from Sporting Lisbon for a club-record £38 million, beating off Liverpool for his signature.
This summer, the Reds could have signed Nunes for £44 million due to a clause in his contract, which has since been deleted. As a result, Klopp and his recruitment staff are now focusing their attention on other central midfielders, such as Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
Wolves Can Name Nunes Price Following Contract Extension
The Telegraph newspaper reports that Wolves are free to set Nunes’ price this summer if another team approaches. They are anticipated to want for at least £50 million for the player, which may be excessive given his modest contribution this season.
Nunes has not scored in 25 Premier League matches, but he has provided one assist.
This has put the Wolves in a precarious position, with Julen Lopetgui’s squad just two points above the relegation zone. On Saturday, they tied 1-1 with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
Possibly the only opportunity for Liverpool to acquire Nunes on the cheap this season is if Wolves are demoted from the Premier League.
If Wolves remain in the English top-flight, they will be able to retain the player rated by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as “one of the best in the world” last season.
Liverpool to Focus on Other Recruitment Options
With Nunes out of the picture, Liverpool will concentrate on their other objectives. Jude Bellingham, the 19-year-old midfielder who excelled for England at the World Cup in Qatar and is already one of Borussia Dortmund’s best players, is at the top of their wish list.
But, Dortmund is under no need to sell Him this summer and might seek roughly £130 million for his signature, which may be out of Liverpool’s price range. Mason Mount, a Chelsea midfielder, is a more realistic alternative.
Mount, 24 years old, has less than 15 months remaining on his current contract with the Blues and has not yet agreed to a new deal. As a result, Chelsea, which has spent more than £500 million on players over the past 12 months, may sell Mount this summer.
It is unknown how much Chelsea will ask for Mount, although it won’t come close to £130 million. Liverpool are also interested in Mount’s Chelsea teammate Conor Gallagher, a 23-year-old who fits Klopp’s style of play with his energy and dynamism.
Caicedo, who is 21 years old, is having a breakout season with Brighton. The promising youngster has appeared in all but one Premier League match this season, starting 24 times, and scored for Ecuador in the World Cup in Qatar.
Yet, it will be difficult to dislodge him from the Amex. In January, Arsenal offered £70 million for Caicedo, who was eager to transfer, but Brighton rejected. Last month, the Seagulls signed him to a new long-term contract.
Either way, it appears the Reds will have to fork out some significant sums if they are to bring in the elite recruitments they require ahead of next season.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
