Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly heading for the Anfield exit after coming to an agreement with Atletico Madrid. Despite arriving with high expectations due to his £85million price tag from Benfica, the Uruguayan has failed to make a significant impact in nearly three years on British soil.
With 33 goals over his first two seasons failing to impress and a mere seven this term, Nunez's reduced appearances under Arne Slot seem to have precipitated his departure. According to Cadena SER, discussions between Nunez and Atletico Madrid are advanced, revealing that the striker is eager on a move to La Liga.
Although the Uruguayan is ready to leave, negotiations between the clubs are still ongoing.
Nunez's current deal ties him to Liverpool for over three more years, yet he isn't short on suitors, including Serie A heavyweight Napoli. A rumour regarding Nunez's reduced game time tied to a financial clause benefiting former club Benfica was briskly dismissed by Slot.
When asked about these reports, Slot expressed his scepticism: "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."
In an intriguing insight into the dynamics at Liverpool, the manager stressed the importance of the environment over mere player acquisitions.
He expressed his contentment with the work climate, noting: "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. So 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)."
He dismissed any notion that the financial aspect would sway his decisions on player selection, saying: "The last, last, last, last, 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, never, 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. It might be true, but if a journalist says it we have to..... (take it with a pinch of salt)."
Nunez's final Premier League appearance could take place on Sunday against Crystal Palace, when Liverpool will lift the title after finishing top of the table.