European football expert Andy Brassell has told talkSPORT that he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if West Ham United sign Benfica’s Darwin Nunez after backing out of a transfer in January.
Brassell believes the Irons were very interested in adding Nunez to David Moyes’ attacking ranks this winter. But the London Stadium outfit baulked at paying As Aguias €60m (£50m) for their free-scoring Uruguay international, who has struck 28 goals in 35 games this term.
Nunez hit his latest goal on Tuesday as Benfica lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final. He had already fired twice against Barcelona and once against Bayern Munich and Ajax in Europe this season. He also has three assists in all.
West Ham ultimately did not strengthen Moyes’ options in January to again leave Michail Antonio as their only recognised striker. But the 32-year-old has struggled for form in 2022 with no Premier League goals since New Years’ Day. He is now 11 outings without scoring.
Nunez, meanwhile, was not satisfied with only scoring against Liverpool as he wants to be winning titles. Benfica are unlikely to win the Portuguese top-flight as they sit third in the table, 15 points behind Porto. They have also exited the Taca de Portugal and Taca da Liga.
Euro expert ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if West Ham sign Benfica’s £60m Darwin Nunez
West Ham would not be alone if they revive their interest in a transfer for Benfica hitman Nunez this summer. The Telegraph report Arsenal and Manchester United are keen, but now face a £60m fee and either club’s pursuit hinges on Champions League qualification.
Brassell is confident Nunez has the characteristics to make it in the Premier League in the future. West Ham would also not shock him by agreeing a transfer for Nunez with Benfica.
“He’s got all the attributes that make you think he would end up in England,” Brassell said. “He’s strong, he’s physical, can hold the ball up, he’s a great finisher, of course. But he can also run the channels, as well. He’s just a bull of a centre-forward, he occupies defenders.
“He is so physical,” Brassell added. “He puts so much into the game that there will be miles on the clock at some point. That hasn’t put Premier League clubs off, as far as I’m aware.
“West Ham were very interested in signing him, but wouldn’t go up to the €60m that Benfica wanted in winter. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up there at some point.”
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