Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool Journey Nears Its End: What the Latest Reports Reveal
According to a recent report from A Bola, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are poised to limit their total spend on Darwin Núñez to no more than €85 million. The Portuguese outlet highlights that while the striker’s initial fee stood at €75 million, performance-related bonuses could have pushed that total to €100 million. However, Liverpool appear to have strategically avoided a further €5 million clause by managing his recent game time.
“A Bola don’t believe Liverpool will start Darwin Núñez in another of those games, and that he’ll be leaving the club soon… hence why they avoided the trigger,” the article reads.
This specific clause, which would have been activated after Núñez started 25 Premier League or Champions League matches, was reportedly one appearance away from being triggered in March. Yet, despite being a regular feature early in the season, his inclusion dropped notably, hinting at Liverpool’s growing reservations over the player’s future role.
According to reports, should Darwin Nunez leave this summer, the final cost of his move to Liverpool would stand at €85million (£71.7m).
This would mean that Virgil Van Dijk’s £75m move from Southampton in 2018 would remain the club record transfer.
For now at least…#LFC
— Ben Pescod (@benpescodjourno) June 2, 2025
Decline in Impact Echoes in Benfica’s Missed Earnings
Núñez arrived from Benfica in the summer of 2022, fresh off a prolific season in Portugal, having scored 34 goals in 41 appearances. His goal tally was seen as justification for the hefty transfer fee, although eyebrows were raised in Lisbon over the scale of the potential bonuses attached.
Since his arrival on Merseyside, Nunez has managed to score 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool, whilst assisting a further 26.
By comparison, “Viktor Gyokeres’ 54 goals in 52 matches this season” puts Núñez’s previous output into a more modest perspective. While not a direct reflection of the Premier League’s difficulty, it illustrates why Liverpool’s front office may now be questioning the long-term return on investment.
Benfica’s frustration will be compounded by the contrast with João Neves’ deal, another rising star whose success with PSG triggered an additional €6 million bonus. As A Bola reports, that takes Neves’ total transfer value to €66 million so far — a clear example of how bonuses can significantly inflate a player’s final cost when clauses are met.
Liverpool’s Strategic Planning Comes into Focus
The decision not to field Núñez in the games that would have triggered the clause appears calculated. While there has been no official confirmation from Liverpool, the pattern of selection combined with growing speculation around a summer exit points to a planned resolution.
It’s worth noting that this does not necessarily reflect on Núñez’s ability alone. New manager Arne Slot, fresh from winning the Premier League title in his debut season, will undoubtedly be shaping a squad to fit his tactical blueprint. If Núñez’s style does not align with Slot’s pressing and transition-heavy approach, a sale could serve both player and club.
Future Uncertain as Transfer Window Looms
What comes next for Núñez remains unclear. Despite moments of brilliance, his Liverpool tenure has been marked by inconsistency, both in form and decision-making in the final third. His raw attributes remain valuable, but for a club competing on multiple fronts, precision is paramount.
Reports from Portugal and England alike now suggest that Liverpool are open to offers. Whether he departs permanently or goes out on loan, it is clear the Anfield hierarchy are preparing for life without him.
This recalibrated fee ceiling of €85 million will ultimately soften the financial blow, although it still ranks Núñez among the club’s costliest signings.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a fan’s perspective, it’s hard not to feel mixed emotions about this. Darwin Núñez is one of those players you desperately want to succeed. His passion, relentless energy, and undeniable physical attributes made him an instant fan favourite. But football is about margins, and Darwin often came up just short in the moments that mattered.
Seeing reports that we’ve actively limited his game time to avoid triggering a bonus clause makes it feel even more likely that his time is up. It’s pragmatic, yes, but also a bit sad. This isn’t just business — this is a player who gave his all, even if it wasn’t always polished.
Under Arne Slot, the bar has shifted. We’re no longer just looking for promise, we’re demanding precision. Slot’s title-winning campaign has raised expectations, and while Darwin would thrive in a more chaotic system, the current Liverpool model requires composure and tactical discipline in attack.
If Darwin does leave, fans should remember the effort he put in, even when things weren’t clicking. He may not have become a legend, but he leaves with respect. And if the club can recoup a decent fee and reinvest wisely, it might be best for everyone involved.
