Arne Slot has refuted claims that Darwin Nunez's exclusion from the Liverpool first XI is due to a clause that would trigger a payment to Benfica.
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Nunez hasn't started since March 8Reports claim Liverpool will owe Benfica €5m after 60 startsSlot unaware of clauseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Uruguayan forward has had a tough campaign, managing just seven goals across 42 outings in all competitions. He has not featured in the starting XI since Liverpool’s 3-1 triumph over Southampton on March 8, a prolonged absence that has only added fuel to the rumours surrounding his future at Anfield.
AdvertisementgettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Earlier this week, media outlets in Portugal reported that Benfica are due an additional €5 million (£4.3m/$5.7m) once Nunez reaches a milestone of 60 combined starts in the Premier League and Champions League. Currently sitting at 59 starts, the striker's omission has drawn speculation that Liverpool are intentionally delaying his appearances to avoid triggering the payment.
WHAT SLOT SAID
Slot, who took charge of Liverpool ahead of the 2024-25 season, strongly denied those allegations, saying he had no knowledge of such a clause and rejected the idea that financial motives are influencing team decisions.
"Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither," Slot told reporters. "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. 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).
"The 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 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."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NUNEZ?
Nunez’s goal return in the Premier League has been particularly underwhelming, with just five goals in the current campaign. Despite being previously linked with a January move to the Saudi Pro League, he remained on Merseyside but his role in the squad appears increasingly uncertain. Speculation continues to grow that the summer transfer window could bring an end to his time at Anfield, especially if Liverpool opt to retool their forward line ahead of the next campaign.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are now on the verge of being crowned Premier League champions. A draw or a win against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday would secure the title.
