It's been an uncertain but thrilling start to the summer for Liverpool. Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot which means the Reds will go through a period of transition.
While the World Cup is stealing headlines as the group stage games heat up, the Reds have still been at the centre of several transfer stories. One of which saw 17-year-old starlet Rio Ngumoha linked with a shock move to Bayern Munich. Another saw former cult hero Darwin Nunez rumoured to be making a stunning return to Anfield after he left the club last August. Today's Liverpool news sees both potential switches take a major twist.
Rio Ngumoha camp's two promises to Bayern
Liverpool were rocked last weekend when the Bundesliga powerhouse were linked with a swoop for promising winger Ngumoha. According to Bayern Insider, Ngumoha's representatives made two promises to the German giants. First, it states that his camp "signalled that the winger would be interested in going to Bayern Munich". Following that, the report claims that the youngster's camp said there "would be no issue in sorting out contract details and the salary".
However, it continued: "FC Bayern had a very clear signal when they knocked on the door at Liverpool that there would be no time or reason for talks," and subsequently, no negotiations took place. The Reds' strong stance was said to stem from their belief in Ngumoha's talent, that he can kick on and become a major asset for the club.
Ngumoha shone for England in his Three Lions debut against New Zealand in a World Cup warm-up last weekend, earning the player of the match award. The youngster looks to be building on his maiden season with the Reds, during which he scored three goals across 31 appearances.
Darwin Nunez twist
Despite being linked with a stunning return to Liverpool, Nunez is reportedly a target for Barcelona. The Catalan giants are said to be looking for a cost-effective replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is leaving the club this summer. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 26-year-old represents a more budget-friendly transfer, having already spent £69m on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
Nunez left the Reds to join Al Hilal for £46m last year and started well in the Saudi Pro League. However, the club's capture of Karim Benzema relegated the forward and he was left out of the squad for the second half of the season. Rumours gathered pace this week that the star himself wanted to make a comeback to Liverpool. However, that doesn't look likely.
Former Liverpool star Michael Owen was also unconvinced by rumours of a return for the Uruguayan star, who first joined the Reds in July 2022 from Benfica for an initial £64m. "Nunez was effective for Liverpool, but if Andoni Iraola does believe he can be a good fit, then he is the one to make that call," he said. "He will know how he wants Liverpool to play and who can be effective and know how to play the role well. But for me, I don't see Nunez returning to Liverpool."
