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Michael Owen thinks Liverpool will sell Darwin Nunez this summer and suggests shock swap deal for rival…
Robert Calcutt
4 minutes
Michael Owen has told talkSPORT that he believes Darwin Nunez will not be at Liverpool next season.
He also boldy suggested a swap deal with the Reds forward for one of the Premier League’s most in-form talents in Alexander Isak.
Nunez has faced a difficult third season at Liverpool
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Nunez has faced a difficult third season at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Nunez impressed for Liverpool last season having scored 18 goals and assisted another 13, but has struggled in the current campaign.
The Uruguayan has netted just seven times in 40 appearances and also missed his penalty in their Champions League shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
talkSPORT understands Liverpool are ready to consider offers for Nunez, and Reds legend Owen believes he will leave Anfield.
“I can’t see Darwin Nunez in a Liverpool shirt next season, personally,” he told talkSPORT. “I think there’s interest in him as well.
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“I think one or two Premier League teams are interested. Of course, there is foreign interest as well.
“So I can’t see Darwin Nunez being a Liverpool player next season.”
Should Liverpool sell the 25-year-old this summer, then Newcastle striker Isak could certainly emerge as a top target.
But when asked if the Swede would be a ‘perfect fit’ for the Reds, Owen suggested a player exchange with Nunez, saying: “Even a swap deal.”
He later added: “If Isak was available, I think Liverpool would do everything in their power to get somebody like that, of course.
“But so would Arsenal, Arsenal are absolutely desperate for a player like that. Who wouldn’t be desperate for a player like that?
Liverpool could entertain offers for Nunez this summer
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Liverpool could entertain offers for Nunez this summerCredit: Getty
Owen doesn’t believe the forward will be at Anfield next season
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Owen doesn’t believe the forward will be at Anfield next seasonCredit: talkSPORT
“But from Newcastle’s point of view, they simply can’t let him go. I hear what you’re saying about balancing the books… In credit let’s say, with the financial rules, that would put them massively in credit.
“But what? Then they can get £150million for him and then go and spend £100million, or £120million on four £30million players.
“You prefer Isak, he’s the one that’s going to absolutely bounce you into that elite level. Just getting three or four decent players is not going to, you need special players.
“Look at these teams that are winning the leagues all the time, look at Liverpool this year, they’ve got the best centre-half in the world [Virgil van Dijk].
“They’ve got one of the best attackers in the world in Mo Salah, they’ve got the best goalkeeper in the world [Alisson].
“You have to have the very, very elite, at least two, three, four of them in certain positions, and then you can muddle through with other players.
Owen bodly suggested a potential swap deal that would see Isak sign for Liverpool
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Owen bodly suggested a potential swap deal that would see Isak sign for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
“But he is one that you’ve just got to build your team around. They’ve already got a really strong midfield and with Isak up front, you’ve got half a chance there.”
Liverpool are very familiar with Isak and his quality in front of goal as he scored against them in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win on March 16.
It was his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions, with the 25-year-old likely to be a highly sought after player in the summer.
The window could shut before the start of the new season on August 14 though, with Premier League clubs set to discuss the idea.
