When Liverpool secured Darwin Núñez from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial £64 million, rising to £85 million with add-ons, the move made headlines across Europe. The Uruguayan striker arrived with a reputation for pace, power, and a knack for scoring in high-pressure moments. Liverpool fans hoped Núñez would become the focal point of their attack, especially after the departure of Sadio Mané. The club’s investment reflected their belief in his potential to thrive in the Premier League.
A Mixed Spell at Anfield
Núñez’s first season offered glimpses of his ability, but inconsistency soon became a theme. While he showcased explosive speed and a willingness to press defenders, his finishing and decision-making often left fans and pundits divided. The 2024–25 season, under new manager Arne Slot, proved particularly challenging. Núñez managed just seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions and started only eight Premier League matches for the title-winning side. In the league, he scored five goals in 30 matches, averaging 0.4 goals per 90 minutes. Despite these numbers, he ranked only sixth among Liverpool’s top scorers that season.
Why Has Núñez Struggled?
Several factors have contributed to Núñez’s uneven form. Slot’s tactical setup demands forwards who can combine intricate passing with disciplined positioning. Núñez, whose game thrives on chaos and direct play, often found himself at odds with this approach. His tendency to lose possession and his inconsistent first touch became more apparent in a system that values technical precision over sheer physicality. As a result, Núñez’s role diminished, and he frequently found himself on the bench.
Transfer Speculation Intensifies
As the summer transfer window opens, speculation about Núñez’s future has reached fever pitch. Reports suggest Liverpool are ready to listen to offers, with Napoli emerging as a serious contender for his signature. The Serie A champions, managed by Antonio Conte, have made Núñez their top attacking target. Napoli’s opening offer is believed to be around €43 million (£37 million), but Liverpool are holding out for at least €50 million (£43 million) to recoup as much of their original outlay as possible.
Other clubs, including Atletico Madrid and teams from Saudi Arabia, have also shown interest. However, sources close to Núñez suggest he prefers to remain in Europe, seeking a club where he can play at the highest level and fulfil his potential. Napoli’s interest appears the most advanced, with direct talks ongoing and the Italian side keen to finalise a deal swiftly to avoid competition from elsewhere.
Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy
Liverpool’s summer has already been busy, with significant spending on new arrivals such as Jeremie Frimpong and the anticipated signing of Florian Wirtz. To balance the books and comply with financial regulations, the club needs to offload players who are not central to Arne Slot’s plans. Núñez, given his high value and limited impact last season, is seen as a logical candidate for departure. The club’s hierarchy is determined to minimise financial losses, especially given the performance-related add-ons that could still make Núñez Liverpool’s most expensive player ever.
Performance by the Numbers
A closer look at Núñez’s statistics offers insight into his Anfield journey. In the 2024–25 Premier League season, he played 1,119 minutes across 30 matches, scoring five goals and providing two assists. His goal involvement rate was 0.56 per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 90th percentile among Premier League forwards. However, his pass completion rate was just over 70%, and he averaged only 18 passes per game, reflecting his limited role in Liverpool’s build-up play. Núñez’s shot accuracy stood at 44.44%, with a goal every 5.4 shots, numbers that underlie both his strengths and areas for improvement.
No Truth to Contract Clause Rumours
Recently, rumours circulated that Núñez’s lack of starts was linked to a contract clause requiring Liverpool to pay Benfica an additional £4.3 million after his 60th start. Club sources have firmly denied these claims, insisting that selection decisions are based solely on footballing reasons. Liverpool’s management remains focused on what’s best for the team, rather than financial considerations.
What’s Next for Núñez and Liverpool?
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Núñez and Liverpool. If Napoli or another European club meets Liverpool’s asking price, Núñez could be set for a fresh start in a league that may better suit his style. For Liverpool, the sale would provide funds to reinvest in players more suited to Slot’s tactical vision. The move could benefit all parties, giving Núñez a chance to revive his career and Liverpool the flexibility to continue their rebuild.
As the transfer saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Darwin Núñez’s time at Anfield has been a rollercoaster. While he may not have met the lofty expectations set upon his arrival, his next chapter could still see him fulfil the promise that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. For Liverpool fans, the hope will be that the club’s new direction leads to continued success, even as one era ends and another begins.
Conclusion
Núñez’s imminent departure marks the end of a chapter that promised much but ultimately fell short of expectations. His time at Liverpool will be remembered for moments of brilliance mixed with frustration, as he struggled to adapt to the demands of English football and the tactical evolution under Arne Slot. For Liverpool, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and ensuring that the next marquee signing delivers the consistency and impact required at the highest level.
As negotiations continue, the football world watches to see where Darwin Núñez’s next adventure will take him. One thing is clear: his future lies away from Anfield, and both player and club are ready for a new beginning.
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