Liverpool manager Arne Slot has firmly denied speculation that striker Darwin Nunez’s recent absence from the starting lineup is linked to a financial clause in his transfer from Benfica. Reports in Portuguese media, notably from outlet A Bola, suggested that Liverpool could owe Benfica €5 million (£4.3 million) if Nunez reaches 60 starts in the Premier League and Champions League combined, a milestone he is reportedly one start away from achieving. Slot, speaking at a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s potentially title-clinching match against Tottenham Hotspur, labeled the claims as “completely new” to him and insisted that team selections are based solely on sporting merit.
“It’s sometimes better not to believe everything that is written,” Slot said, addressing the rumors directly. “The last thing I would expect is for Richard Hughes [Liverpool’s sporting director] to tell me that if I play Nunez, it would cost us this much. He would never do that. He never interferes with the lineup.”
Nunez, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2022 for an initial fee of £64 million with up to £21 million in performance-related add-ons, has struggled for consistent starts this season. The 25-year-old Uruguayan has made just one start since March 8, a 3-1 win over Southampton, and was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s recent 1-0 victory against Leicester. With Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz often preferred in the central striker role, Nunez’s limited game time has fueled speculation about his future at Anfield, with reports suggesting Liverpool may consider offers for him in the summer transfer window.
The A Bola report claimed that Benfica had already received €10 million in bonuses tied to Nunez’s appearances, with payments triggered at 10 and 35 starts in the Premier League and Champions League. The alleged €5 million clause at 60 starts was said to be a concern for Benfica, who reportedly feared Liverpool might deliberately bench Nunez to avoid the payment, especially given his potential departure. However, sources close to Liverpool have disputed these claims, and Slot’s comments further quashed the narrative, emphasizing that his decisions are not influenced by financial considerations.
“Do you always believe journalists?” Slot quipped when pressed on the issue, highlighting his focus on performance over external speculation. He added that he was unaware of the specifics of Nunez’s transfer deal, stating, “It’s new to me,” but reiterated that his selections are driven by tactical needs, not contractual obligations.
Nunez’s situation has been a topic of intense discussion among Liverpool fans and pundits. Despite his undeniable talent and occasional moments of brilliance, the striker has faced criticism for his inconsistency, scoring seven goals in 42 appearances this season. His high-profile misses and erratic finishing have led to suggestions that he may not fit into Slot’s system, which demands a No. 9 who can drop deep and facilitate play for wingers like Mohamed Salah. Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who signed Nunez, was a vocal supporter, but Slot’s approach appears more pragmatic, with Jota’s return to fitness and Diaz’s versatility reducing Nunez’s opportunities.
The rumors come at a pivotal moment for Liverpool, who are on the verge of securing the Premier League title. A draw or win against Tottenham on Sunday at Anfield will confirm the championship, marking Slot’s first major trophy in his debut season. The Dutch manager has enjoyed a remarkable campaign, guiding Liverpool to the top of the table with a blend of disciplined defending and dynamic attacking play. However, questions about Nunez’s role and potential summer transfers loom large as the club plans for the future.
Speculation about Nunez’s departure has been fueled by interest from clubs like Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who reportedly made a £62 million offer in January that Liverpool rejected. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Nunez is “expected to leave” in the summer, with Liverpool open to considering all options. Despite this, Slot’s public dismissal of the Benfica clause rumors indicates a desire to keep the focus on the pitch rather than off-field distractions.