footballtopstar

Tag: Darwin Nunez

  • Darwin Nunez angry as Liverpool ‘halt £70m transfer’

    Darwin Nunez angry as Liverpool ‘halt £70m transfer’

    Liverpool have made a bold move in the transfer market by rejecting a substantial £70 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward, however, is reportedly unhappy with the decision.

    According to sources (via The Sun), Nunez had been open to negotiations with Al Nassr, the club where Cristiano Ronaldo plays. However, Liverpool swiftly rejected the offer, making it clear that Nunez was not available for sale.

    In response, Al Nassr shifted their focus to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, successfully completing a £64 million deal for the Colombian forward instead.

    Nunez’s frustration increased when he was omitted from Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League loss to PSV. Nonetheless, manager Arne Slot quickly explained that Nunez’s absence was due to illness rather than any transfer-related issues.

    This season, Nunez has scored six goals and provided four assists in 29 appearances. Although his performances have been inconsistent, he has had standout moments, such as a crucial last-minute brace in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

    Liverpool paid £85 million to acquire him from Benfica in 2022, and his future at Anfield is still unclear. Reports suggest the club may revisit his situation in the summer, potentially opening the door for a move.

    Currently, Nunez is back in training and has traveled with the squad for their upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth. It remains to be seen if Arne Slot will include him in the starting lineup after the recent drama.

    With the transfer window now closed, speculation may quiet for the time being. However, one thing is clear: this won’t be the last we hear about Darwin Nunez’s future.

    More news……

    Stefan Bajcetic transfer news: Liverpool youngster may receive new opportunity

    Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic's loan situation at RB Salzburg

    Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic’s loan situation at RB Salzburg has sparked considerable debate, with contrasting reports regarding his future.

    Merseyside sources maintain that the 20-year-old will not be recalled, but recent reports from Spain suggest otherwise. Bajcetic, who has struggled for playing time under new Salzburg head coach Thomas Letsch following the departure of former Reds coach Pep Lijnders, has been linked with a potential move to La Liga.

    Spanish clubs, including Real Betis, Celta Vigo, and most recently Las Palmas, are reportedly interested, with Tenerife-based outlet Atlantico Hoy stating that the latter is nearing an agreement.

    Despite earlier reports indicating that Liverpool might end Bajcetic’s Salzburg loan in favor of a move to Spain, The Athletic’s James Pearce has dismissed this idea, affirming that the Reds are content with Bajcetic’s development in Austria.

    Nonetheless, there are lingering questions about Bajcetic’s future. It is believed that the 20-year-old’s playing style may align more closely with Jurgen Klopp’s tactics than with the system employed by Arne Slot at Anfield, fueling speculation that his long-term future could lie elsewhere.

    Liverpool is expected to see considerable activity in the final week of the transfer window, particularly with outgoing transfers for their younger players.

    While Bajcetic’s immediate future appears set with at least another half-season at Salzburg, other emerging talents may be on the move, either temporarily or permanently, to further their development.

    Tyler Morton, for example, could be allowed to leave, with potential loan moves also on the cards for Kaide Gordon, James Norris, James Balagizi, Dominic Corness, and Harvey Davies.

    Liverpool has already made several adjustments to their youth setup this month. Gordon, Calvin Ramsay, and Marcelo Pitaluga were recalled from their loans, with Ramsay quickly rejoining Kilmarnock on another loan and Pitaluga returning to Brazil to reconnect with former club Fluminense. Additionally, midfielder Tom Hill has completed a free transfer to League Two side Harrogate Town.

  • Liverpool transfer update: Major Nunez bid surfaces amid Arsenal’s pursuit of Salah replacement

    Liverpool transfer update: Major Nunez bid surfaces amid Arsenal’s pursuit of Salah replacement

    Liverpool transfer update: Big Nunez bid surfaces amid Arsenal's pursuit of Salah replacement

    Liverpool transfer updates indicate that a new club has reportedly shown interest in Darwin Nunez, while the Reds may face competition from Arsenal for a potential Mohamed Salah replacement.

    With transfer deadline day approaching in just over a week, Liverpool has yet to make any moves before the January window closes. The focus for the Reds appears to be on retaining their top players, with speculation mounting about the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, all of whom could leave the club in the summer.

    There’s still time for Arne Slot and Richard Hughes to explore options in the January market to support Liverpool’s Premier League title chase, though recent reports suggest the club might need to fend off interest in another of their stars.

    Here’s a roundup of the latest Liverpool transfer gossip:

    Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
    Napoli has reportedly entered the race to sign Darwin Nunez, with Spanish outlet Fichajes calling the Italian club a “strong candidate” to secure his signature before the transfer window closes. Nunez has been linked with a move away from Anfield since January, with some reports indicating interest from Saudi Arabia.

    This latest update suggests several European clubs are also pursuing him, with Napoli manager Antonio Conte seeing Nunez as the ideal addition to his squad. The Serie A leaders are reportedly “willing to make a significant financial effort” to land the 25-year-old, though it’s claimed Liverpool will be firm in negotiations.

    Liverpool.com notes: There’s no way Liverpool would allow Nunez to leave this month, especially with Diogo Jota injured again. Although Slot may not yet be fully convinced by Nunez—evidenced by his benching against Ipswich—it would be risky to offload him mid-season while pushing for a title, unless Liverpool has a replacement lined up.

    Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
    Arsenal is said to have entered the race for Antoine Semenyo, with the Bournemouth winger previously linked to Liverpool as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement. According to Caught Offside, Arsenal has added Semenyo to their list as a backup option for Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined after hamstring surgery. Liverpool is also said to have expressed interest, with Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle reportedly keeping an eye on the situation.

    Liverpool.com adds: It’s no surprise that there’s significant interest in Semenyo, given his impressive performances this season. However, it would be a surprise if either Liverpool or Arsenal made a move for him before the January window closes.

  • Linda Pizzuti sends three-word message on Liverpool’s title race after Darwin Nunez’s stoppage-time heroics

    Linda Pizzuti sends three-word message on Liverpool’s title race after Darwin Nunez’s stoppage-time heroics

    Liverpool ended a three-match winless streak with Darwin Nunez’s heroic performance against Brentford, scoring two stoppage-time goals that helped extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Linda Pizzuti, wife of Liverpool owner John W. Henry, celebrated as the Reds moved seven points clear, with Nunez’s brace contributing to a nine-year high in shots on goal during a frustrating match. This victory allowed Liverpool to widen the gap over Arsenal, who were set to play Aston Villa later on Saturday (5:30pm kick-off).

    While Arsenal has a game in hand, Liverpool’s resilience in West London meant that the Gunners couldn’t reduce the lead to just two points. Pizzuti wrote on the official Liverpool Instagram post of the full-time result: “7 points clear!” She followed up with a post on her own account, saying: “A last minute brace for Nunez and we are 7 points clear at the top. 30 goal differential this season so far!”

    The Reds will be back in Champions League action at home to Lille on Tuesday night, having already secured qualification for the knockout stages and avoided the playoff round. They will then return to Anfield to face relegation-threatened Ipswich Town on Saturday, January 25 (3pm kick-off), with the chance to extend their lead to 10 points, depending on Arsenal’s result against Villa. Arsenal will travel to Molineux for their next Premier League match after hosting Dinamo Zagreb in Europe.

    Ahead of the Brentford clash, Arne Slot acknowledged that Liverpool hadn’t yet fully utilized Nunez’s potential during his time at the club. He stated: “Darwin is a striker we have to use in a certain way and we were not able yet to bring the best out of him this season. Against Accrington Stanley again you saw he has a lot of pace but, unfortunately for him, most teams sit back a lot against us. If you look back at the goals he scored for us, I remember the one against [Aston] Villa when he went around the goalkeeper on a fast break, that is his main strength – he has other qualities as well – but we are still working on getting him in the best possible positions against a low block. That involves the right timings, the right crosses, the right position to start from and making the right run.”

  • Liverpool receive selection boost for Brentford clash, but new injury setback arises

    Liverpool receive selection boost for Brentford clash, but new injury setback arises

    Liverpool’s quest for the Premier League title intensifies on Saturday as they make the trip to face Brentford. The pressure has undoubtedly increased for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

    While there is no question that Liverpool have been the top and most consistent team in the league this season, their form has shown signs of slipping slightly since the start of the new year.

    A 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur means Arne Slot’s team faces a tough challenge in the return leg at Anfield next month. Additionally, Liverpool has failed to secure victories in their last two league games. However, a 2-2 draw against arch-rivals Manchester United at home and a 1-1 draw at surprise high-flyers Nottingham Forest could still be considered valuable points over the course of the season.

    That 1-1 draw at Forest, in particular, has been capitalized on by Arsenal, whose 2-1 win over Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday closed the gap between them and the league leaders to just four points. However, Liverpool still have a game in hand.

    A win for Liverpool in the 3 pm kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium would see them restore their seven-point lead over Arsenal, putting additional pressure on Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit squad ahead of their 5:30 pm match against Aston Villa at the Emirates.

    The good news for Arne Slot is that, unlike Arteta, he has almost a fully fit squad to choose from. The squad will be further strengthened by the return of striker Darwin Núñez, who missed the trip to Forest due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards.

    It remains uncertain whether the Uruguayan will start straight away, particularly given that Diogo Jota has emerged as a strong candidate for a starting spot after his quick and clinical equalizer at the City Ground. However, Jota is now a major doubt for the Brentford clash after missing training on Thursday.

    Despite this, Liverpool still has strong options in attack and midfield, but the defense raises some concerns. The team has only kept three clean sheets in their last 11 games across all competitions. With Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley still regaining full fitness after long-term injuries, and Andy Robertson struggling to return to his best form, the absence of versatile defender Joe Gomez is being felt more than ever.

    As it stands, Gomez will miss out on the trip to Brentford, and it now seems likely that Jota will join him on the sidelines.

  • Liverpool transfer update: $93M Darwin Nunez replacement ‘targeted’ and Nico Williams boost revealed

    Liverpool transfer update: $93M Darwin Nunez replacement ‘targeted’ and Nico Williams boost revealed

    Nico Williams

    Liverpool Transfer News: Potential Darwin Nunez Successor and Nico Williams Links for Summer

    Liverpool faces an uphill task in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after going a goal down to Spurs in North London. Thankfully, concerns over Jarell Quansah’s injury proved to be unfounded, as it was revealed that his early departure was due to illness rather than a serious injury.

    Although this withdrawal won’t cause the Reds to panic, transfer rumors are likely to persist. Many players have already been linked with interest from Arne Slot’s side.

    Here’s the latest transfer roundup from Liverpool.com regarding the gossip surrounding the club. The two players mentioned are both exciting forwards who would be targeted for the summer rather than this month, and either would be significant acquisitions for whichever club manages to secure them.

    Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

    Spain international Nico Williams has reportedly accepted that a move to Barcelona is off the table, making a Premier League switch more likely, as reported by TBR Football. The 22-year-old, who rose to prominence during the European Championship, has been linked with Liverpool, but a move to Arsenal appears more probable due to Mikel Arteta’s need to strengthen his left side.

    Barcelona, despite its ongoing admiration for Williams, is facing financial difficulties, as evidenced by its struggle to register Dani Olmo. If the Catalan club cannot resolve its financial woes, Olmo could potentially be available on a free transfer.

    Liverpool.com adds: While the Reds have good options with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz already playing on the left, a move for Williams seems unlikely, given his reported release clause of €58m (£48m/$60m) and the significant wages he would demand.

    Victor Osimhen (Napoli, on loan at Galatasaray)

    Nico Williams

    Liverpool is reportedly looking at Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, according to Anfield Watch. Michael Edwards, FSG’s CEO of football, is said to be a long-term admirer of the 26-year-old Nigerian, who could be available in the summer.

    Osimhen has been in stellar form, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in just 16 appearances for Galatasaray so far. He has also netted 21 goals in 35 appearances for Nigeria and 65 goals in 108 games for Napoli, who signed him from Lille for a fee of around €90m (£75m/$93m).

    Liverpool.com concludes: Osimhen is likely to secure a high-profile move in the summer, and Liverpool could be a logical destination if Nunez departs. However, for this to happen, another forward would need to leave to create space, or manager Arne Slot would face a dilemma with too many attacking options and not enough playing time to go around.

  • “Carragher Warns Liverpool Star Could Be Done as Reds Eye £40m January Signing”

    “Carragher Warns Liverpool Star Could Be Done as Reds Eye £40m January Signing”

    Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has expressed concerns that a player

    Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s Concerns Over Andy Robertson’s Form and Transfer Plans

    Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has expressed concerns that a player he holds in high regard has become a liability, and TEAMtalk understands that the club is looking to bring in a ready-made replacement for him in January.

    Since Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool, the team’s on-field performance has largely been positive, with Slot’s coaching methods bringing out the best in players like Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz. However, one notable decline has been in the form of left-back Andy Robertson. At 30, Robertson is no longer the reliable defensive force he once was, and his dip in form has prompted Carragher to call for a new addition to the squad.

    In an interview with Sky Sports following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Carragher remarked, “Liverpool need to sign a full-back. I think they need a left-back.” He continued, “Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor [against Man Utd]. He will be a lot better than that and Conor Bradley is fantastic. I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game. I don’t think Kostas Tsimikas is quite of the standard to come in and replace him.” Carragher concluded, “I think if Liverpool could get a left-back in January, I think that’d put Liverpool in a really strong position to win the league.”

    Liverpool’s Pursuit of a £40m Left-Back

    Despite reports from The Athletic’s James Pearce on Boxing Day suggesting that Liverpool are willing to wait until the summer to find Robertson’s successor, TEAMtalk’s transfer expert Fraser Gillan has learned that Liverpool are actively considering opportunities in the January window, particularly in the left-back position.

    Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is reportedly a target for the Reds, with ESPN’s Mark Ogden confirming the club’s interest earlier this month. When discussing why Liverpool has only “minimal interest” in Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, Ogden said, “The name that has been put to me is Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth. He would fit the profile much better than Antonee Robinson.”

    Kerkez, who recently signed with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports agency, is expected to move out of Bournemouth at some point in 2025. This move could be accelerated by Bournemouth’s deal to sign his potential replacement, Julio Soler, from Lanus for a fee of £6m, which could rise to £12m with add-ons.

    TEAMtalk understands that Kerkez is currently valued around £40m, although his price could increase if Liverpool faces competition from Manchester United. The Red Devils have identified the Hungarian as a potential fit for their left-wing-back role in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. Should United increase their pursuit of Kerkez in January, Liverpool may have to act sooner than planned.

    Liverpool has a history of acting quickly in January when a rival shows interest in a target. In 2022, they moved swiftly to secure Luis Diaz after Tottenham showed interest, and in 2023, they acted fast to sign Cody Gakpo after Manchester United explored a move for him.

    Other Transfer News: Darwin Nunez and Tyler Dibling

    Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has expressed concerns that a player

    In other developments, Football Insider reports that Liverpool may be willing to sell Darwin Nunez if offers of £50m-£60m are made. This follows comments from transfer expert Rudy Galetti, who told TEAMtalk that Liverpool is open to parting with Nunez in 2025, with a summer exit being more likely than a January departure.

    Additionally, Liverpool is reportedly in pole position to sign Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, but only if they make a concrete move. Failure to do so could see interest from other clubs, with Newcastle and Manchester United both tracking the winger closely.

  • AC Milan makes move to sign Liverpool star; clubs enter direct talks for January transfer – report

    AC Milan makes move to sign Liverpool star; clubs enter direct talks for January transfer – report

    AC Milan is reportedly in talks with Liverpool about a potential January

    AC Milan is reportedly in talks with Liverpool about a potential January move for Darwin Nunez, according to Milan TMN (as relayed by TeamTalk).

    The Italian side is said to have proposed a €5 million loan fee, with an obligation to buy for €45 million at the end of the season. The offer comes as Liverpool considers parting ways with Nunez, who has struggled to find consistency since his high-profile transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2022.

    Darwin Nunez: Disappointing spell at Liverpool

    After a stellar spell at Benfica, where he scored 34 goals in 41 appearances during his final season, Nunez’s form has faltered on Merseyside. In his debut Premier League season, he scored just nine goals in 29 appearances, failing to meet the expectations tied to his €75 million price tag. Though his second season showed some improvement with 11 goals and eight assists in 36 games, his inconsistency in front of goal and missed opportunities have made him a frustrating presence for fans.

    Under manager Arne Slot, Nunez has often been a backup player, with Diogo Jota preferred as a starter at the beginning of the season. It was only after Jota’s injury that Nunez earned a regular run in the team. However, after struggling to make a significant impact, Slot turned to Luis Diaz in the false number 9 role, a position in which Diaz has excelled.

    AC Milan is reportedly in talks with Liverpool about a potential January

    Despite his difficulties, Nunez’s talent is undeniable. In his two and a half years at Liverpool, he has recorded 37 goals and 20 assists in 119 appearances across all competitions. However, his lack of confidence is evident in his performances, with patchy link-up play and squandered chances making him a frustrating figure for fans.

    Opportunity for a fresh start at AC Milan

    A move to AC Milan could offer Nunez a chance to revive his career in Serie A, where his physicality and direct playing style might thrive. Milan is eager to strengthen its attacking options as it aims for both domestic and European success. The proposed loan deal would allow both clubs to evaluate the arrangement before committing to a permanent transfer.

    Although Nunez’s raw potential is clear, Liverpool seems open to letting the 24-year-old leave, with transfer expert David Lynch reporting that a departure from Anfield at the end of the season is likely. If Milan’s offer is accepted, Nunez could move as early as January, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter at Liverpool and the beginning of a new opportunity at AC Milan.

  • Liverpool torn over £41.5m Darwin Nunez offer, with potential replacement identified

    Liverpool torn over £41.5m Darwin Nunez offer, with potential replacement identified

    A major European club is in "direct contact" with Liverpool regarding the potential

    A major European club is in “direct contact” with Liverpool regarding the potential signing of struggling striker Darwin Nunez in January, with reports suggesting that his replacement could be found within the Premier League.

    Nunez, 25, was brought to Liverpool from Benfica for £64m (rising to £85m with add-ons) two and a half years ago. If he meets the majority of those add-ons, he will become Liverpool’s most expensive signing, surpassing Virgil van Dijk’s £75m fee.

    However, Nunez has not lived up to that price tag. His tendency to squander chances, inconsistent link-up play, and ongoing offside issues have been a consistent source of frustration for the Reds.

    Under manager Arne Slot, Diogo Jota quickly became the first-choice striker, even before suffering a rib injury. Nunez stepped in during Jota’s absence, but without much impact. Recently, Luis Diaz has impressed as a makeshift forward, as Jota has been gradually reintegrated.

    According to an update from Italian outlet AC Milan TMN, Liverpool could be ready to part ways with Nunez for €50m (£41.5m / $52m). The report claims that AC Milan has opened negotiations for a six-month loan deal, with an obligation to buy.

    The proposal involves Milan paying €5m for a six-month loan in January, with an additional €45m to make the deal permanent in the summer.

    The outlet wrote on X: “AC Milan are in direct contact with Liverpool FC over Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez in a bid to strengthen their attack ahead of next summer. The Rossoneri offer for the former Benfica player is a loan of €5m with an obligation to buy for €45m, and the Reds are considering accepting it due to the problems the Uruguayan has had in recent years.”

    Will Liverpool agree? / Potential replacement named

    A major European club is in "direct contact" with Liverpool regarding the potential

    Nunez was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday. With Jota now fit again, Nunez’s role could diminish as the season progresses.

    That said, it would still be surprising for Liverpool to sell a first-team player in January, especially as they remain in contention for multiple trophies.

    Strength in depth will be crucial, and recent history has shown how quickly a promising season can unravel due to injuries and fixture congestion.

    However, a €50m package could be appealing for Liverpool, especially considering Nunez’s ongoing struggles. Such a deal would also allow Liverpool to bring in a more reliable striker either in January or the summer.

    In terms of potential replacements, Mail Online recently reported that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is on Liverpool’s radar.

    Delap, 21, was signed by Ipswich from Manchester City last summer for up to £20m. City retains a buy-back clause for the player, and both Chelsea and Manchester United are also tracking him.

    While Liverpool wouldn’t have exclusive rights to Delap, Ipswich may struggle to prevent a sale. Aside from City’s buy-back option, there is also a release clause in Delap’s contract, though the exact figure remains undisclosed by Mail Online.

    Delap is currently Ipswich’s top scorer, having netted six goals—more than double the tally of any other player in Kieran McKenna’s squad.

    Another striker that Liverpool has shown interest in is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.

    Sky Germany previously reported that Marmoush, Mohamed Salah’s Egyptian teammate, would jump at the chance to join Liverpool. A later update confirmed that Liverpool had firmed up their interest in the player, and his sale in the summer of 2025 was deemed “likely.”

    Marmoush has been in excellent form this season, with 18 goals and 12 assists in 30 appearances for Frankfurt.

  • “He will depart and I’m certain” – Transfer expert reveals major Liverpool update

    “He will depart and I’m certain” – Transfer expert reveals major Liverpool update

    Liverpool have undergone a complete transformation under Arne Slot this season. They are currently at the top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings, seemingly unstoppable.

    Key players such as Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been performing excellently, with each of them reaching new heights under the Dutch manager’s guidance.

    However, one player has drawn criticism from fans for his performances this season. Darwin Nunez has scored just two goals in 11 Premier League matches, a disappointing return for a striker playing in a team challenging for titles.

    Transfer expert David Lynch believes that Nunez is likely to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. He shared his thoughts with Sports Mole:

    “It’s essentially settled now. I just don’t think there’s a debate there around Nunez. I think the die’s cast now. I think Nunez is what he is – two-and-a-half seasons in now, he hasn’t lived up to expectations, so the job is now to get the best out of him that you can between now and the end of the season, and then he will leave and I’m sure he’ll find somewhere else where [he will] fit better and [be] more appreciated.”

    “It’s not been a very good signing, but as I say, it’s just important now to refocus on what he can do and what he can contribute between now and May.”

    Liverpool require additional goals from Darwin Nunez

    Liverpool require additional goals from Darwin Nunez.

    Liverpool need more goals from Nunez, as while his work rate has been commendable, his finishing has been a significant concern for the team.

    His lack of awareness in front of goal and failure to capitalize on chances has cost Liverpool points this season, especially in the recent match against Newcastle United.

    To address this, Liverpool are reportedly considering Brighton’s Joao Pedro as a potential replacement for Nunez next year, with Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram also catching the club’s attention.

    For Liverpool to reach the next level, they need a more prolific goal-scorer in their attack.

  • “I made it clear to him” – Arne Slot’s detailed evaluation of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool

    “I made it clear to him” – Arne Slot’s detailed evaluation of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool

    "I made it clear to him" – Arne Slot's detailed evaluation of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool

    Arne Slot has expressed his confidence in Darwin Nunez, affirming that the striker remains an important player for Liverpool, despite recent frustrations. The Reds’ manager emphasized that Nunez’s value isn’t solely based on his goal tally. Although the 25-year-old has only scored three times this season, Slot has been impressed by his work ethic throughout the campaign.

    Nunez missed multiple chances during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Girona in Spain on Tuesday. The following morning, he took to social media to address the criticism surrounding his performances. However, Slot, who also confirmed that Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa could be back in contention for the Fulham match, praised Nunez’s overall contributions to the team.

    When asked about Nunez’s frustration with his performance, Slot stated: “For me he has an impact. If you only look at goals, he hasn’t scored as many as he wants to score or we want a number nine to score.” He continued, “But he does have impact in his work rate and that’s not just to prevent the other team from making a chance, but also for us when we lose the ball to be aggressive and we can get the ball back and create chances.”

    Slot highlighted that Nunez is part of a team that scores frequently and wins consistently, but acknowledged that, as a striker, he naturally wants to score more goals. He added, “I’m not only judging Mo (Salah) or Darwin on goals, I also judge on their work rate and what they bring to the team. That has been positive until now, except for us and him wanting to score more goals.”

    "I made it clear to him" – Arne Slot's detailed evaluation of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool

    The Liverpool manager also noted that Nunez’s desire to score could be amplified by the fans’ support, saying: “Maybe because the fans support him so much, he wants it almost too much, to score that goal for the fans and for himself.” He added that while Mo Salah currently doesn’t need as much fan support, it is the fans’ loyalty in times of difficulty that makes them special: “What I like about the fans is, they are not only supportive if it’s going really well but especially if he needs that support. That’s what makes our fans so special.”

    While Slot admitted that Nunez’s performance in the last 30 minutes of the Girona match was not up to par, he emphasized the importance of supporting the striker when he isn’t scoring. He remarked: “When you miss the chances he did on Tuesday, everybody then needs an arm around you, whether it’s from a team-mate, from the fans or the manager.”

    Slot made it clear that Nunez is evaluated not only on his goals but also on his contributions to the team’s overall performance. He stated, “He adds something to the team performance with his work rate, and how much he does for us winning the ball back high up the pitch.” He also expressed optimism, noting that Nunez might soon be scoring more frequently, saying: “Ideally he would have scored a few more goals but maybe in a few weeks you’ll ask me why Mo isn’t scoring anymore and Darwin is scoring every week.”

    Slot concluded by acknowledging the nature of being a number nine, noting that scoring can be inconsistent. He said: “Sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t, but what should always be there is work rate and he has had that, apart from two games. First one against Las Palmas (in pre-season) and then the last half hour against Girona, wasn’t up to standards he should have and that was due to the disappointment he had after missing chances.”