Darwin Nunez (Image credit: Google)
As per La Voz de Almeria (h/t Yorkshire Live), Sheffield United are willing to offer €15m for Almeria youngster Darwin Nunez ahead of the new season.
The report suggests that several other clubs including Brighton and Hove Albion, Real Betis, Valencia, Napoli and Roma are also interested in securing the youngster’s services. And the Blades will have to face competition as the Spanish side are wanting more than €20m for him.
Born in Uruguay, Nunez spent time at the academies of La Luz and San Miguel de Artigas before joining Penarol’s youth system. He excelled with the club’s senior set-up, scoring 4 goals in 22 games before moving to Almeria for €8m in August 2019.
He immediately established himself as a key member of the squad and helped his side finish in the 4th position in the La Liga 2 table, just 1 point behind third-place Real Zaragoza. He has been in sensational form this season and should Chris Wilder go in search of a striker in the summer, Nunez would be a good choice.
At the moment, there are four centre-forwards available at Wilder’s disposal. While Lys Mousset and Oliver McBurnie have been regular starters, scoring 12 goals between them, David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp haven’t been at their best.
Moreover, Sharp and McGoldrick are above 30 and the manager should look to bring in youngsters to replace them in the future. Thus, making a move for Nunez would help them secure the future of their frontline.
The youngster finished as the top scorer for Almeria this season with 16 goals and enjoyed his debut season in Spain. He could be seen as a replacement for any one of the Blades’ old guns. Nunez has the ability to succeed at a higher level and can develop himself under the guidance of Wilder.
The 21-year-old could be used in the club’s reserve sides for a short while until he gets accustomed to the conditions in England and can be used at the right time. Though Sheffield have two good strikers in McBurnie and Mousset, signing another youngster could come in handy for the future.
With Sharp and McGoldrick already reaching the twilight of their careers, it is clear that Sheffield are in dire need of youngster strikers. And Nunez could provide them with the depth and quality in the future. He could also go on to lead their attack in the future if he is able to develop and continue with the good form.
