Darwin Nunez has struggled to live up to his £85m price tag since joining Liverpool nearly three years ago - but it appears he has found a way out of Anfield
13:06, 21 May 2025
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: (SUN OUT, SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Darwin Nunez of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at Amex Stadium on May 19, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez is eyeing an escape from Liverpool(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Liverpool flop Darwin Nunez is reportedly set to be on the verge of leaving for Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguayan forward, who arrived from Benfica nearly three years ago for a hefty £85m fee, has failed to vindicate barely any of that huge price tag at Anfield. Nunez scored 33 goals in his first two seasons but has only managed seven this campaign. With just 17 starts under new manager Arne Slot, it seems Nunez is eyeing a move away.
Spanish media outlet Cadena SER reports that talks with Atletico Madrid have taken place, and the 25-year-old forward appears eager with him said to have 'made it clear' he wants to pursue a move to La Liga. Although Nunez is reportedly ready to go, discussions with Liverpool about a transfer remain pending.
Still under contract at Anfield for more than three years, Nunez isn't short of admirers, with Napoli also watching developments.
Speculation over why Nunez has seen less gametime this season includes a rumoured additional payment clause to Benfica, which Liverpool would trigger if he made more starts. When asked about this, Slot rejected the claim.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool FC during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on April 06, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Nunez has struggled for gametime under Arne Slot(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Article continues below
He remarked: "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. 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).
Article continues below
"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 will be hoping to appear again this weekend as Liverpool round off their season against Crystal Palace. They will also lift the Premier League trophy after that game.