Former Liverpool scouting director reveals the reasons that led to signing Darwin instead of Haaland.
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In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Ian Graham, former head of scouting at Liverpool, offered an insightful explanation into the decision-making process that led the club to sign Darwin Núñez from Benfica in 2022.
While many might have expected Liverpool to pursue Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation who eventually joined Manchester City, Graham revealed that financial constraints played a significant role in shaping the club's approach.
“Haaland was the obvious choice,” Graham admitted. “But he was beyond Liverpool’s financial capacity at the time. The transfer fee alone was substantial, but it wasn’t even the biggest factor. The overall cost of acquiring Haaland, including wages, bonuses, and other expenses, was simply too high. So, while he was undoubtedly a top target, we had to rule it out. Darwin Núñez, on the other hand, fit within our financial framework and was one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe.”
The decision to focus on Núñez wasn’t purely based on cost, however. Liverpool's recruitment team, renowned for its data-driven approach, saw something special in the Uruguayan striker that aligned with the club’s long-term vision. Graham explained that Núñez offered a more traditional striker's skillset, which was becoming increasingly important as Roberto Firmino, Liverpool’s long-standing false nine, approached the twilight of his career.
“Darwin did things that a typical striker does,” Graham said. “With Firmino getting older, we knew we would eventually have to find someone who could step into that role. Darwin’s style was different from Firmino’s, more direct and goal-oriented. We had to consider whether Jurgen Klopp would be comfortable with the slight shift in playing style that Núñez would bring. It wasn’t an easy decision, but Darwin had qualities that we believed could enhance the team in the long run.”
Since joining Liverpool, Núñez has experienced a mixed but promising start. His physicality, pace, and ability to create chances have impressed fans, even though his finishing at times has come under scrutiny. Graham, now watching from outside the club, noted that one of the interesting aspects of Núñez’s integration into the team has been how his high shot volume hasn’t negatively affected Mohamed Salah’s goal-scoring output.
“With the number of shots Darwin takes, you might expect him to take some goals away from Salah, but that hasn’t really been the case,” Graham observed. “Finishing is always a topic of discussion for strikers, but Liverpool’s overall shot production with Núñez in the team seems to be in good shape. He’s not perfect, but his presence hasn’t disrupted the team’s attacking output as some might have feared.”
In addition to discussing Núñez, Graham also touched on the contributions of Diogo Jota, another key piece in Liverpool’s attacking puzzle. Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota has proven to be a valuable asset with his knack for finding the back of the net, though Graham acknowledged that Jota’s role is more specialized compared to Firmino.
“Jota isn’t as complete a player as Firmino, who had a unique ability to link play and facilitate Liverpool’s pressing game. But Jota is a far better finisher, which makes him a great complement to the other forwards. He was somewhat underrated when we signed him. I remember we had a lot of internal discussions about his potential role, and he’s turned out to be a great addition.”
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has long been admired for its ability to identify players who not only fit the team's style but also offer value in the transfer market. While Haaland's move to Manchester City made headlines and has been a resounding success for City, Liverpool's investment in Darwin Núñez represents a calculated risk that the club hopes will pay off over time. Graham’s comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes thinking that drives these decisions, revealing a careful balance between finances, style of play, and the club’s long-term objectives.
As Liverpool continues to evolve under Klopp, Núñez’s role in the team is expected to grow. His combination of pace, power, and goal-scoring potential makes him a key figure in Liverpool's future, especially as the club transitions away from the Firmino era. The decision to opt for Núñez over Haaland, while initially surprising to some, reflects the careful planning that has defined Liverpool's success in recent years.
Ultimately, Graham's insights provide a rare glimpse into the complexities of modern football recruitment, where every decision is a blend of data, scouting expertise, and financial realities. For Liverpool, Darwin Núñez represents both a significant investment and a bet on the future of their forward line.
Updated: 02:27, 14 Sep 2024
