Top News

Darwin Nunez to Atlanta United? MLS club reportedly open talks with former Liverpool star

Atlanta United are reportedly looking at a major move to strengthen their attack, and have opened talks with former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguay international has emerged as a top target as the club prepares for a possible designated player slot, though Atlanta are also chasing Switzerland forward Breel Embolo.

Atlanta reportedly eye blockbuster move

Atlanta United have reportedly started talks over a possible move for Uruguay international Nunez, according to The Athletic. The discussions are still at an early stage, but the MLS side are assessing the chance to sign one of the biggest names currently on the transfer market.

Atlanta have already shown in recent years that they are ready to go after high-profile players, and the report says the club has the financial room to complete a deal if a roster place opens up.

Designated player spot could open

Any move could depend on the future of Emmanuel Latte Lath. Atlanta's club-record signing was left out of Wednesday's match against Charlotte FC as transfer talks gathered pace, sporting director Chris Henderson confirmed.

“We’re having a few conversations around him, and so out of precaution we’ve kept him out of this game,” Henderson said. “That’s about the extent of what I’m going to say about it at the moment.”

If Latte Lath leaves, Atlanta would free up the designated player spot required to push ahead with a deal for Nunez, although the club is also weighing Embolo as another possibility.

Fresh start after Saudi spell

Nunez is expected to leave Al Hilal after dropping out of the club's registered foreign player group following Karim Benzema's arrival. Saudi Pro League clubs are restricted in the number of foreign players they can register, and the Uruguayan eventually lost his place despite contributing six goals and four assists in 16 appearances.

The World Cup marked his return to competitive action after several months away from club football.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Premier League pedigree

Before his move to Saudi Arabia, Nunez spent three seasons with Liverpool after joining from Benfica in a deal reported to be worth around $90 million. He helped Liverpool win the Premier League title while registering 25 goals and 16 assists in 95 league appearances.

Talks with Atlanta are not yet at an advanced stage, but the club's interest shows its ambition to add another marquee name as it tries to turn its season around. The club is currently second from bottom in the East, with 12 points so far.