Barcelona could have signed €80 million-rated striker for €20 million in 2020

Darwin Nunez has become an instant sensation at SL Benfica, since joining the club in the summer of 2020.

Nunez made headlines earlier in the season when he scored a brace against Barcelona. His performance in the 3-0 victory was crucial in eliminating the Catalans from the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

It is no secret that Barcelona were initially interested in signing Nunez two years ago when he was still at UD Almeria. And according to Gabriel Sans, Barca could have signed the player for as low as €20 million.

Sans has revealed that Barcelona were keen on signing the young Uruguayan at the time, with then sporting director Ramon Planes rating him highly. The club had even come up with a €7 million offer, but it was no match for Benfica’s whopping €20 million bid.

The player was keen on joining Barcelona, but the Catalans didn’t consider coming anywhere close to matching Benfica’s valuation, ultimately leading to his move to the Portuguese capital.

Upon his move to Benfica, the 22-year-old has scored 40 goals in just 77 competitive appearances for the club, essentially making him one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe.

Barcelona are believed to be among the clubs keen on signing Nunez, who has been identified as a potential alternative for top target for Erling Haaland.

However, several reports suggest Barca would now have to cough up around €80 million to secure the services of Darwin Nunez, just two years after rejecting the opportunity to snap him up for just €20 million.

Darwin was most recently involved in Benfica’s dramatic win over Ajax in the Champions League Round of 16 tie, with his goal in the second leg helping the Eagles seal a place in the quarter-finals of the coveted competition.

Player values via Transfermarkt