Benfica have begun their search for a Darwin Nunez replacement and have identified Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic as a strong candidate, as reported by The Athletic.
Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez is firmly expected to leave the club this summer and has serious interest from the likes of Manchester United, among others.
Stuttgart are said to be hoping Kalajdzic signs a new deal, however, would seek around €25 million, should he depart.
That fee would sit handy for Benfica, who could reportedly sell Nunez for €60 million.
Benfica Targeting Bundesliga Forward as Darwin Nunez Replacement
Kalajdzic Form
The Stuttgart striker has missed much of the season with injury but since returning in January has scored six goals and provided two assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances. His strikes include one in a 2-2 with German champions Bayern Munich earlier in May.
Kalajdzic has four goals in 13 games for his country, Austria, who will now be led by Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
In his last full season, the 24-year-old scored 17 goals in 36 games, averaging just shy of a goal every two games.
Darwin Nunez Future
Darwin Nunez is one of the hottest goalscoring prospects in world football. He has scored 34 goals in 41 appearances for Benfica this season, including six in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old looks ready for a new challenge this summer and will no doubt have plenty of options.
The Athletic name Manchester United as being among those with serious interest and it is no surprise considering their striker dilemma.
Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo has delivered with the goals this campaign, United have lacked a second option to rely on through Marcus Rashford’s unsuitability to a central role and Edinson Cavani’s time spent sidelined.
Nunez recently received comparisons to new Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and could be a statement signing for Manchester United.
Earlier in the season, he was linked with Atletico Madrid, a move that would make sense considering his history in Spain with Almeria in La Liga 2.
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