MAJOR update on Darwin Nunez to AC Milan

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has been heavily linked with AC Milan in the past few days.

The Uruguayan frontman was reported to be the subject of a bid from the Rossoneri ahead of a potential loan move in the January transfer window.

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Various outlets suggested Milan would pay €5 million for an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent move worth another €45m next summer.

Admittedly that is a far cry from the potential £85m that Liverpool paid for Darwin back in 2022 but it at least represents some money back on a player struggling to make the grade in the Anfield attack.

Nunez hasn’t decisively won over Arne Slot since his arrival as Reds head coach with the Dutchman preferring Diogo Jota - when fit - and even Luis Diaz up front instead.

The 25-year-old has only scored two goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season and subsequently has been linked with a hasty exit.

Barcelona and Fenerbahce have also been rumoured to be in the running for the Uruguay international, who won over ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during his Benfica days.

No Milan move for Darwin

But it doesn’t appear at this stage that Milan are a realistic prospect for Darwin. The RedBird Capital-owned club have just signed a new coach - Sergio Conceicao - to replace Paulo Fonseca and have got plenty on their plate besides Darwin.

Anfield Watch has learned that Milan’s recruitment team do indeed like the striker but there is little hope of a transfer taking place. For one, Milan simply cannot afford Darwin’s salary. He is estimated to be earning £140,000 per week at Liverpool and on those wages would be Milan’s top earner.

And perhaps most decisively, there is no space for him the squad. Serie A teams are permitted to register two non-EU signings per season.

And after a summer transfer splurge that included Serbian Strahinja Pavlovic and Brazilian Emerson Royal, Milan cannot register another non-EU player this season.

It was previously reported that Emerson had a Spanish passport which would allow him to be registered as an EU player but it’s understood that those reports are wide of the mark.

Indeed, Milan were themselves unaware of the problem until the 11th hour of the transfer which took Emerson from Tottenham to the San Siro.

It means that despite being reported as the most likely destination for Darwin this winter, Milan is ruled out.

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