Liverpool have proposed including their €75 million-rated star in a swap deal to land Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool Football Club is preparing to shake up the summer transfer window with a blockbuster proposal involving Darwin Núñez, their €75 million-rated forward. The Merseyside giants have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz as their top transfer target and are exploring bold strategies to bring the German playmaker to Anfield.

According to several reports, including from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have already made an official opening offer for Wirtz, which is said to exceed €100 million. However, the total package Leverkusen demands is believed to be significantly higher—ranging between €130 million and €150 million.

To bridge this financial gap, Liverpool are now entertaining the idea of including Darwin Núñez in a player-plus-cash swap deal. The Uruguayan striker, once considered the future of Liverpool’s attacking line, has had a turbulent season, scoring just seven goals in 47 appearances. With such underwhelming statistics, his long-term place in the squad under new manager Arne Slot appears to be under serious review.

Sources close to the club suggest that sporting director Richard Hughes is willing to listen to offers for Núñez as the club repositions itself for a new tactical era. The forward, who cost Liverpool around €75 million when he joined from Benfica in 2022, may now be used as a bargaining chip to land one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

Florian Wirtz, just 22 years old, has been pivotal for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and score goals has seen his value skyrocket. With 18 goals and 15 assists across all competitions this past season, Wirtz is seen not just as a playmaker, but as a generational talent.

The proposed swap deal has created waves across Europe. Empire of the Kop reports that Núñez is open to new challenges, with his agents reportedly in talks with various clubs. Atlético Madrid and Napoli have shown interest, while the lucrative Saudi Pro League—featuring heavyweights like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli—could also enter the race.

From Leverkusen’s perspective, adding Núñez to their attacking ranks might not be a far-fetched idea. The German side is preparing for a demanding 2025/26 season, which includes Champions League football and the added pressure of defending their Bundesliga title. An experienced forward like Núñez, though inconsistent, could thrive in a less physically intense league like the Bundesliga.

Still, many questions remain. Will Wirtz be tempted by a move to the Premier League? Would Núñez accept a switch to the German top flight? And most importantly, will the two clubs agree on the final valuations required to make this mega-deal happen?

While Liverpool initially preferred a direct cash deal, they are now leaning toward including a high-value asset to soften the financial blow. The inclusion of Núñez could reduce the amount of cash involved by €60–75 million, depending on negotiations.

Arne Slot is reportedly a big admirer of Wirtz, whose creative prowess could unlock a new attacking dynamic at Anfield. Slot, who replaces Jürgen Klopp at the helm, is expected to bring a more structured and tactical approach. In such a system, Wirtz could become the central figure—much like Martin Ødegaard at Arsenal or Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.

On the other hand, Núñez’s exit would free up space for Liverpool to pursue other options up front, possibly including Julian Álvarez, who has also been linked with the club. With the forward line set for a reshuffle, Liverpool appear keen to put faith in younger, more versatile players better suited to Slot’s system.

This summer is shaping up to be one of the most transformative windows in Liverpool’s recent history. The departure of key figures like Jürgen Klopp has already created a sense of renewal. Adding a rising superstar like Wirtz could serve as the ultimate statement of intent.

Moreover, the club is under pressure to maintain its competitiveness both domestically and in Europe. With Manchester City, Arsenal, and a resurgent Manchester United strengthening their squads, Liverpool cannot afford to stand still. Signing Wirtz would not only signal ambition but also provide a long-term solution in midfield—a position that has struggled for creativity in recent seasons.

Wirtz’s arrival would also add depth and quality behind the front three. His ability to operate as a number 10, on either wing, or in deeper playmaking roles makes him an ideal fit for modern football’s tactical demands. In contrast, Núñez’s profile as a traditional No. 9 may no longer be in alignment with the club’s evolving identity.

For fans, the potential arrival of Wirtz would mark a new dawn. The excitement around the German international is palpable, and should the deal go through, it could be one of the defining transfers of the summer window.

All eyes are now on the negotiations. Will Leverkusen bite? Will Núñez accept the deal? And will Wirtz choose the Premier League as the next step in his blossoming career?

One thing is certain—Liverpool are not afraid to think big. The combination of boldness and strategic planning may well determine whether they remain title contenders in the years to come.