As per reports, due to a clause in Liverpool’s agreement with Benfica, Darwin Nunez will not be starting for the Reds anytime soon.
When will Darwin Nunez start for the Reds ?
Reports from Portugal suggest that Nunez cannot make his 60th start in either the Premier League or Champions League. If that happens, Liverpool will have to pay Benfica an extra €5 million as part of the deal that brought him to Anfield in 2022.
The Uruguay international is currently on 59 starts in those competitions. In addition, fans and media have started linking his recent absence from the starting XI to that clause. The deal reportedly has a €5 million payout after 10 starts and another €5 million after reaching 60.
That final milestone is just one game away. As a result, it is raising doubts from the supporters. It is unclear whether the Reds are avoiding a financial trigger ahead of a likely summer sale.
Slot’s Sporting Decision or Financial Strategy?
While the manager Arne Slot claimed he wasn’t aware of any such clause, he didn’t completely deny it either. Still, the head coach insisted that Nunez’s absence is purely a footballing decision. And it has nothing to do with the contract details.
Many think it’s more to do with Diogo Jota returning to full fitness and earning a starting spot. He is pushing Darwin further down the pecking order. On top of that, Liverpool are also likely open to selling the Uruguayan striker this summer. Also, Saudi clubs are showing real interest in him.
However, the Reds declined all offers from Saudi Arabia in January. But, all signs shows that the 25-year-old is going to the Middle East.
Slot is focusing on building for the future. For whatever reasons, be it money, lack of form or future planning, there is no doubt that Darwin Nunez is no longer a starter at Anfield.
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