Darwin Nunez ‘extended absence of Liverpool’s start -XI could be motivated through financial measures as well as tactical considerations, a report.
Nunez is one of the rare examples of a misstep from Liverpool on the transfer market in the past decade. The Uruguayan striker was signed by Benfica for the first € 75 million (£ 64 million), which could increase with add-ons to up to € 100 million (£ 85 million), but has to score more than 11 goals from the Premier League in a single campaign.
While Jürgen Klopp invested more and seemed patient with Nunez, the 25-year-old did not have the same opportunities under the successor Arne Slot. This season he was only granted eight starts of the Premier League, with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota usually preferred.
Nunez was strongly connected to Saudi Arabia with an exit in January, and his future remains significantly insecure, with Liverpool being on the market for a new striker.
In Portugal, A bola Has a theory about why Nunez has not started a Premier League game for almost two months. Liverpool has already paid the Lisbon giant Benfica an additional € 10 million via the original fee, since two € 5 million add-ons are triggered.
When Nununez made his first ten starts in the Premier League or in the Champions League, it was assumed that Liverpool was liable for a payment. 25 begins in these two competitions in order to trigger a further payment of € 5 million up to the total transmission value.
After Liverpool was previously removed from the Champions League this season this season, Nunez is another Premier League start that completes the next block of 25. The result is that Liverpool is very aware of and maintains Nunez to avoid paying EUR 5 million for a player who could soon go.
Liverpool can win the Premier League title with just one point against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and A bola The theory would be tested if they navigate through the remaining dead rubbers.
These games could be an opportunity for the slot of hand chances for players who have used more fringed roles this season. If Nunez is constantly overlooked, this would be a strong indicator.