Krishnan Sreekumar
Real Madrid enter the transfer race to sign Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez amidst Manchester United interest
According to Record (h/t The Sun), Real Madrid have entered the transfer race to sign Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, in a major blow to Manchester United who are keen to sign him.
Nunez has enjoyed a breakout season with Benfica this term, proving to be their go-to man for goals in the Primeira Liga as well as in the UEFA Champions League. The Portuguese club, spearheaded by the Uruguayan, managed to reach the quarterfinals of the competition.
Along the way, the 22-year-old managed to score against the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Ajax Amsterdam, and Liverpool. His performances on the pitch have caught the attention of Premier League clubs like United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United, who are keen to bolster their attacks in the summer.
However, these English sides will need to dig deep in their efforts to sign him once the transfer window opens as Real have entered the race. Having won La Liga and reached the final of the Champions League, the Spanish club are looking to further strengthen their squad.
Replacement for Kylian Mbappe
It was widely expected that Carlo Ancelotti’s men would add Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe to their attacking ranks in the summer. However, the 23-year-old snubbed a move to Spain to instead sign a massive new deal with his current club.
The Spanish champions are still reeling from this development, given they pursued him over the last year as his current contract was about to expire. They are said to now have shifted focus to Nunez, who not only could prove to be Mbappe’s replacement but also a long-term successor to Karim Benzema.
After Mbappe’s shock decision to stay in Paris and continue his career until 2025, Real will be actively looking for replacements in order to fill the striker void. Although he is in red hot form, Benzema is not getting any younger and a successor to take his place is needed.
Nunez has proven to the football world that he is capable of producing on the biggest stage, and age is not a limit to his abilities. He has shown maturity beyond his years to lead the line for Benfica and continuously supply the goals for the team.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reflects on a disappointing 2021/22 season and questions dressing room
- Transfer News: Real Madrid will challenge Manchester United to the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni
- Manchester United to unveil Erik ten Hag as new manager next week
Despite interest from England, bringing the Uruguay international will be harder than it seems. The striker is thought to have rejected a move to United, Arsenal, and Newcastle due to the lack of Champions League football next season.
However, the Red Devils will be hopeful that the massive new project being headed by Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford is lucrative enough to secure his signature. He could very well be the new face of United’s attacking lineup, playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs in one of the world’s best stadiums. Only time will tell whether these reasons are enough to land Nunez in the summer.
