Darwin Nunez (foto: Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez hinted at frustration over his lack of Liverpool starts, fueling speculation that the club is deliberately benching him to avoid a bonus payment to Benfica.
Darwin Nunez has fueled speculation about his future after hinting at frustration over his lack of starts for Liverpool since early February.
The 25-year-old Uruguayan striker has not been named in the starting eleven for months, and recently posted—and quickly deleted—a message on social media questioning the situation. “No wonder I haven't played in the starting eleven since then. The last game I started, I played well, and then all of a sudden…” he wrote on X, before removing the post. However, screenshots quickly went viral.
Reports from Portugal suggest Liverpool would have to pay Benfica an additional €5 million if Nunez makes his 50th start, which could explain the sudden reduction in playing time. Nunez’s deleted post has only added fuel to the growing belief among fans that Liverpool are intentionally sidelining him to avoid triggering the bonus clause.
When asked about the claims, coach Arne Slot offered a cautious response: “Do you always believe the journalists? I don't. Sometimes they are right, but you can't always rely on what they write about players.”
With Nunez increasingly marginalized, the signs point to a likely summer exit, ending a turbulent spell at Anfield marked by flashes of brilliance but persistent uncertainty.