Darwin Nunez has failed to hit the heights expected of him since signing for Liverpool and it appears that he could leave the Emirates Stadium sooner rather than later
Darwin Nunez is ‘likely’ to leave Liverpool this summer as Arne Slot plots a rebuild of the champions. Liverpool have already secured this season’s crown, with planning now already set to turn to next term - and the defence of their title.
Amid that rebuild, a clutch of the current squad could bid farewell to the Reds. Chief among those look set to be academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of his contract.
£80m forward Nunez could also be shown the exit door after an inconsistent few seasons on Merseyside. The Uruguayan - signed for big-money from Portuguese giants Benfica - has scored 40 goals in 139 appearances for Liverpool, albeit just seven of those have come this season.
And according to MailOnline, Nunez is ‘likely to depart’ come the end of the campaign. The 25-year-old currently has just over three years remaining on his contract at Anfield.
It was recently suggested in the Portuguese media that Liverpool were limiting the striker’s appearances to avoid paying an add-on to Benfica. Reports suggested that they would be owed €5 million (£4.3m) should he make another Premier League start.
But Liverpool boss Arne Slot recently spoke out to deny that claim. He said: "Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither.
Sometimes you should, but sometimes it’s better not to believe everything that is written about players. This is completely new to me, and I’ve said many times that I’m working at a club here where it’s really nice to work.
“Mainly sporting directors are judged by the players they bring in, for me it’s very important to have a great working environment and I have that with Richard (Hughes).
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"The last thing he would do, as I expect working with him for 10 months, is tell me: ‘If you play him it would cost us this much.’ That he would never do. I don’t even know if it’s true, yes or no, because we never talk about that. He never interferes with a lineup."
Nunez will hope to impress over the coming weeks as Liverpool round off what has been a hugely successful Premier League campaign. Slot’s side take on Chelsea this weekend ahead of welcoming Arsenal to Anfield.
Liverpool then conclude their season with a trip to Brighton and a home game with Crystal Palace - where they will finally get the chance to lift the trophy.