The prolonged absence of Darwin Nunez from Liverpool’s starting lineup may be influenced by financial factors as well as tactical decisions, according to a report.
Nunez represents one of the few miscalculations made by Liverpool in the transfer market over the past decade.
The Uruguayan forward was acquired from Benfica for an initial fee of €75 million (£64 million), potentially increasing to €100 million (£85 million) with performance-related add-ons, yet he has not surpassed 11 goals in a single Premier League season.
Although Jurgen Klopp seemed more committed and patient with Nunez, the 25-year-old has not received the same level of opportunity under his successor, Arne Slot.
This season, he has only started eight Premier League matches, with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota generally being favored.
Nunez was strongly rumored to be leaving for Saudi Arabia in January, and his future remains uncertain, as Liverpool is reportedly seeking to acquire a new striker.
The prolonged absence of Darwin Nunez from Liverpool’s starting lineup may be influenced by financial factors as well as tactical decisions, according to a report.
Nunez represents one of the few miscalculations made by Liverpool in the transfer market over the past decade.
The Uruguayan forward was acquired from Benfica for an initial fee of €75 million (£64 million), potentially increasing to €100 million (£85 million) with performance-related add-ons, yet he has not surpassed 11 goals in a single Premier League season.
Although Jurgen Klopp seemed more committed and patient with Nunez, the 25-year-old has not received the same level of opportunity under his successor, Arne Slot.
This season, he has only started eight Premier League matches, with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota generally being favored.
Nunez was strongly rumored to be leaving for Saudi Arabia in January, and his future remains uncertain, as Liverpool is reportedly seeking to acquire a new striker.
Why Liverpool are no longer starting Darwin Nunez revealedDarwin Nunez last started a Premier League game in early MarchUruguayan’s inconsistent form hasn’t endeared him to Arne SlotCondition of 2023 transfer from Benfica could be behind omissionsBy Jamie Spencer | 12:30 PM GMT+1Darwin Nunez isn’t a Liverpool starterDarwin Nunez isn’t a Liverpool starter / Visionhaus/GettyImagesDarwin Nunez’s extended absence from Liverpool’s starting XI could be motivated by financial measures as much as tactical considerations, a report has claimed.
Nunez is one of the rare examples of a misstep from Liverpool in the transfer market over the last decade.
The Uruguayan striker was signed from Benfica for an initial €75m (£64m) that could rise to as much as €100m (£85m) with add-ons, but is yet to score more than 11 Premier League goals in a single campaign.
While Jurgen Klopp appeared to be more invested and patient with Nunez, the 25-year-old hasn’t had the same opportunities under successor Arne Slot.
He’s been afforded just eight Premier League starts this season, with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all typically preferred.
Nunez was heavily linked with a January exit to Saudi Arabia and his future remains distinctly uncertain now, with Liverpool thought to be in the market for a new striker.
Darwin NunezOne more start would cost Liverpool €5m / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImagesIn Portugal, A Bola has a theory as to why Nunez hasn’t started a Premier League game in almost two months.
Liverpool have already paid Lisbon giants Benfica an extra €10m on top of the original fee due to two €5m add-ons being triggered.
When Nunez made his first ten starts in the Premier League or Champions League, Liverpool were thought to be liable for a payment.
Each 25 starts in those two competitions thereafter is said to trigger a further €5m payment, up to the total transfer value.
With Liverpool out of the Champions League earlier than expected this season, Nunez is one more Premier League start away from completing the next block of 25.
The implication is that Liverpool are keenly aware and are holding Nunez back to avoid paying out €5m on a player who could soon leave.
Liverpool can win the Premier League title with just a single point against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and A Bola’s theory would then be tested as they navigate the remaining dead rubbers.
Those game could be an opportunity for Slot to hand chances to players who have occupied more fringe roles this season, but if Nunez is continually overlooked it would be a strong indicator.