Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez revealed that the Catalan team made a "mistake" that could cost them €60 million due to their refusal years ago to sign a striker for €20 million, while now they want to secure the same striker in a deal that could exceed €80 million. Who is it?
A few years back, FC Barcelona declined to sign Uruguayan national team forward Darwin Núñez (22 years old), as recently disclosed by his compatriot and former Barcelona player Luis Suarez on a program on Twitch. Now, Núñez, who plays for Benfica in Portugal, tops the list of players Barcelona wants to acquire, according to German outlet "Sport Bild."
"Sport Bild" added that the club's advisor, Jordi Cruyff, sat in the stands to scout Núñez during a match between Benfica and Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, which Benfica won 1-0 with a goal from Núñez, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
However, to sign Núñez, it seems Barcelona, struggling financially, will have to pay a significant amount, with current discussions suggesting a transfer fee no less than €80 million, according to the German site. Yet, Barcelona could have signed Núñez before any other team and for a much lower price! Suarez revealed on the "GigantesFC" program on Twitch, saying: "I told them: watch out for him, he is very good and shows interesting abilities."
But Barcelona rejected the suggestion, according to Suarez, who added: "They said he plays for Almería and is too young." However, that was a "wrong" decision, according to Suarez.
Núñez joined Almería from Uruguay in 2019 for €13 million. A year later, Benfica signed him for €24 million. Suarez stated: "Instead of having to pay €80 or €90 or €100 million now, you could have paid €15 or €20 million at that time and used him as a substitute."
