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Liverpool can save millions on perfect Darwin Nunez replacement with clever £38m transfer move

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on December 18, 2024
-Credit:Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images2024 Liverpool FC


Liverpool could save millions by signing Jonathan David in the summer. The 25-year-old striker has recently emerged as a target for numerous Premier League clubs following his impressive performances for Lille in the French top flight.

David, who sees his contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in June 2025, has featured 18 times so far in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Bruno Génésio's side, the Canada international has helped Les Dogues climb to third in the table.

His eye-catching displays have reportedly attracted interest from some top clubs that are looking to land a bargain this summer. Since the start of the new year, foreign clubs have been eligible to open pre-contract talks with David over a free transfer at the end of the season.

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If the Canadian doesn't pen an extension then Lille will be forced to make a difficult call. The French giants must consider whether they'd rather risk losing David for free or cut their losses and cash in before the January window slams shut.

Interestingly, the Lille president has already drawn a line in the sand. Speaking to reporters in November, Olivier Letang announced that the club have offered David a new contract and they won't sell him midway through the season.

"We are not going to sell him in January and we have not received any offer for him," said the Lille chief. "Jonathan’s situation is super simple. We are very happy to have you with us. Last off-season, he had one year left on his contract.

"We could qualify for the Champions League. When you have a guy who scores 20 to 25 goals a season. We had no obligation to sell him. He is a player who scores between 20 and 25 goals and qualifies for the Champions League.

"Plus, Jonathan loves Lille which is his club. Our position was very clear from the beginning, we think of the athlete. Obviously, he already has an offer that is in his hands, the ball is in his court."

With David yet to take up Lille's offer, he's been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League. In fact, according to the Chronicle Live, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all interested in signing David.

Liverpool have not been credited with interest, but Arne Slot will soon have the chance to watch the talisman first-hand. On Tuesday night, the Reds will host Lille at Anfield in the penultimate clash of the Champions League group stage.

Liverpool would save millions by signing David in the summer, while also stifling the plans of their Premier League rivals. Speaking to La Voix du Nord in September 2023, the £38m-rated frontman admitted a move to the English top flight remains 'very possible' in the future.

David said: "I don't know, I think it's possible, very possible. I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League. It could well be the Premier League. It's a very nice atmosphere. In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more."

Then, later that season on CBS Sports in 2023, Thierry Henry heaped praise on David. The Arsenal legend said: "When you have a player like Jonathan David, who runs the way he does, in behind. His directness. Don’t ask him to come to play or assist because he has none this season.

"If he sees the centre-back dropping, then he will go in behind. But as soon as he sees there is a gap, he will run and he is also pretty strong too and he loves contacts."