Liverpool to ‘push hard’ for the title but will fall short despite £85m signing, ESPN pundit claims

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burnley has claimed Liverpool will fall short in the title race due to the signing of Erling Haaland.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker signed earlier this summer for a fee of £51m.

Darwin Nunez, 23, joined from Benfica this summer after recording his best ever season scoring 34 in all competitions.

Whilst Liverpool did spend big on the Uruguayan forward, Burley expects Haaland to deliver City the title.

The former pundit spoke on ESPN FC, where he predicted another title win for the Citizens, with Liverpool running them close:

“I don’t think it (Darwin Nunez) will be a bad signing.

“I think it will be an excellent signing, but I have more confidence that Haaland will come in and hit the ground running.

“And so for that reason, it’s difficult to see past a narrow Man City title again, with Liverpool pushing them hard.”

Liverpool pushed City all the way to final game of the season, narrowly losing out after a dramatic three goal comeback from the reigning champions.

Nunez will likely start the season as the main striker and Liverpool fans will hope the record-signing can follow in the footsteps of great forwards of the past.

Liverpool’s pre-season got off to the worst possible start losing four goals to nil to Manchester United in Bangkok.

Nunez made his debut late in the game and was heavily criticised for missing a guilt-edge chance to open his Liverpool account on his debut.

Next up for the Reds is a game against Crystal Palace in Singapore where they can hope to bounce back following that defeat.

First up in the Premier League is newly-promoted Fulham away from home on Saturday 6^th August.