According to The Sun, the Dutch manager has already begun putting together his squad for next season and does not have a spot for Nunez. Instead, Slot wants to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who scored 19 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 season, to lead his squad to a top four finish.
His overall goal tally for the season is an outstanding 27 across all competitions, including a notable contribution in Villa’s Europa Conference League campaign, where he scored eight in the team’s march to the semifinals.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Nunez, on the other hand, has endured a rough time at Anfield. Despite showing potential earlier in the season, the Uruguayan striker hasn’t scored in his previous ten appearances. His overall stats are 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League, with six goals and four assists in the Europa League and EFL Cup.
A prospective move to Barcelona has sparked conjecture, with the Catalan club apparently interested in securing his talents. This potential transfer fits Slot’s objective of renewing Liverpool’s attacking options and bringing in a striker capable of delivering goals and consistency.
Watkins has a contract with Villa that runs through 2028. As a result, Liverpool will have to make a significant offer to bring the English forward to Merseyside. According to reports, Vill are willing to let Watkins go, and Unai Emery is already considering options if his attacker moves to Anfield.
WHAT NEXT?
Watkins’ outstanding performance was recognised, as he was included to Gareth Southgate’s provisional team for Euro 2024. And if he performs well in the forthcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland, he might be named to the final 26-man roster.
