Slot could bring $93m Núñez upgrade to Liverpool after Carragher prediction

Attention is already turning to next season with Arne Slot emerging as the new frontrunner to take over from Jürgen Klopp. The Dutchman has done a fine job at Feyenoord and talks are already underway about moving to Anfield, reports BBC Sport.

Alongside new sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool's next manager faces some big decisions in the transfer market. And while contract calls will be needed on the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, another Reds ace could face an uncertain future.

READ MORE: Arne Slot takes inspiration from six managers including Jürgen Klopp and two Liverpool rivals

READ MORE: Liverpool defensive issues broken down as seven players could do more to stop Everton opener

That is certainly the belief of former defender Jamie Carragher, who isn't convinced Darwin Núñez is the man to take Liverpool to the next step. The Uruguayan struggled at Goodison Park on Wednesday night and missed a gilt-edged chance in the first-half, firing straight at Jordan Pickford.

"After two years, I don't think there is going to be a massive improvement in him. He can cause trouble but he is erratic with his finishing. That isn't enough to win the biggest trophies," Carragher said on Sky Sports. "You talk about the first year and these players come in and they're getting up to speed, and you see them improving and getting better.

"It looked like he was at the start of the season but it has ground to a halt. I think there is a big decision to be made on him in the summer."

Núñez has shown signs of improvements this season. He has already beaten last season's goal tally and provided a further 13 assists. When on song, he is an absolute nightmare for opposition defenses with his running in behind.

His pace means he can often be deployed out wide on the left and there are few players in Europe who cause anywhere near as much chaos. But when his side needs a cool head in front of goal, he remains anything but.

The comparisons to the central striker that Slot is working with at Feyenoord are stark. Santiago Giménez, who is two years younger than Núñez, has been a revelation since joining from Cruz Azul in 2022. He has averaged a goal every 0.55 matches since arriving with only two players beating his tally of 21 in the Eredivisie this season.

Admittedly, the standard of opposition defender is not as high as in the Premier League but it is when provided with the chance to score, that Giménez outshines Liverpool's record signing. Núñez has had more shots than any other player in the Premier League (105) but only found the net 11 times. As per FBref, his shot conversion rate stands at 10.4 per cent.

His opportunity at Goodison Park took his tally of 'big chances missed' to 26, only beaten by Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Giménez is proving much more effective, scoring 21 of his 101 shots, to take his conversion rate to 20.8 per cent.

At just 23, the Feyenoord man still has a lot of developing to do but he is already on the radar of a number of clubs. Real Madrid has been keeping tabs on the Mexico international, as have Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, reports 90min.

Unsurprisingly, the Dutch giants want to keep him. It is believed that any club will have to smash the Eredivisie transfer record, which was set by Manchester United to sign Antony, standing at $93m (£87m/€100m).

Should Slot get the Anfield job, he could well give Liverpool the upper hand in any potential transfer dealings. You would expect him to want to work with Núñez but if there is no improvement, a replacement could well be sought.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.