Arne Slot won’t be working with his new Liverpool squad for a few weeks, but Darwin Nunez has already made a significant impression. Nunez scored a hat trick for Uruguay against Mexico, reinforcing his credentials as a top striker.
This performance comes at an opportune time. Although Slot will likely evaluate all players once pre-season starts, the transfer market is open for a short period before that, and Liverpool needs to stay proactive. By the time players return from international duties, Liverpool will be less than a month away from the new season. Waiting for Slot to personally assess the players before making any transfer decisions could be risky for Michael Edwards and his team.
Reports indicate that Slot is already making transfer recommendations. According to Tuttosport, via Football Italia, Slot has identified Santiago Gimenez, a striker he has worked with at Feyenoord, as a potential target for Liverpool. The club is expected to compete with Milan for Gimenez’s signature.
Gimenez’s stats are impressive: 23 goals and six assists in 30 Eredivisie matches this season, averaging 0.8 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes from 0.74 expected goals. He also provides 0.23 assists per 90 minutes, making him a strong candidate for any top club looking for a striker. At 23, he has significant potential for growth.
However, Nunez’s recent hat trick serves as a reminder to Slot that Liverpool might not need another number nine. The club has already invested heavily in Nunez, and although his impact hasn’t been as immediate as hoped, it’s too soon to dismiss the investment. Nunez’s expected goals per game in the Premier League (0.75) slightly exceed Gimenez’s in the Eredivisie (0.74), and he also leads in assists and expected assists.
Gimenez does have an edge in actual goals scored, but Liverpool needs to trust in Nunez’s underlying statistics, especially with performances like his recent one against Mexico. While it’s understandable why Slot might want to bring Gimenez to Liverpool, Nunez’s timely reminder should influence the club’s transfer decisions.