Darwin Nunez has been told to ‘leave Liverpool’ despite still having “plenty to offer” to the club.
Nunez signed for a club-record fee from Benfica in 2022, the Uruguay international arrived with all the physical tools of a modern centre-forward power, pace, and an instinct for chaos in the final third. But three years on, he finds himself on the fringes at Anfield, his role increasingly peripheral under head coach Arne Slot.
The Uruguayan arrived at Liverpool with a heavy price tag and even heavier expectations. Last season was billed as a make-or-break campaign for the 25-year-old a final opportunity to stake his claim after a patchy two seasons under Jürgen Klopp. Instead, it was defined by inconsistency, a series of missed chances, and ultimately a drift away from Liverpool’s core attacking plans.
Now, with the summer window open, the expectation is that the club will entertain serious offers for Núñez. Saudi side Al Hilal, led by new head coach Simone Inzaghi, have retained interest, while long-time admirers Napoli pulled the plug on any transfer happening with them opting for Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca instead. In January, Liverpool rejected an £62 million bid from Saudi Arabia, but may not receive a similar offer this time around.
Former Liverpool defender and cult hero Markus Babbel believes the writing is on the wall for both player and club speaking at an Adventure Gamers event he stated:
“The problem with Darwin is that he misses too many chances. I think it’s got to the point where Arne Slot has lost confidence in him. The best thing for Núñez would be to move on — not because he’s a bad player, but because he needs to play somewhere he can rebuild belief.”
Despite Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season, Núñez started just once in the Premier League after Boxing Day, with that sole appearance coming in March at Anfield against Southampton a game in which he scored and won a penalty. Even a promising pre-season goal against Preston North End last weekend has done little to shift the perception that his future lies elsewhere.
Babbel, who played a key role in Liverpool’s treble winning side of 2001, doesn’t believe Núñez’s story has to end in disappointment
“He has all the qualities. He’s strong, quick, and technically good. But he’s struggling with confidence, and right now, he doesn’t believe he’s the number one striker at Liverpool. That’s affecting him.”
The former Germany international suggests that a move to Spain or Italy might be the perfect reset for Núñez.
“Serie A or La Liga could be perfect. The defending is not as intense or physical, and it might give him the space to find his rhythm. Look at Lukaku he was written off in England, but he went back to Italy and got his confidence back.”
Babbel didn’t stop there he was asked about potential replacements, he floated what would be a blockbuster suggestion — Harry Kane.
“If Liverpool want a true top scorer, they should go for Kane, I know it’s ambitious and probably expensive, but it would send a statement. If not, someone like Serhou Guirassy from Dortmund could be a smart option he knows how to finish and has presence up top.”
The former Bayern Munich defender also weighed in on the future of Luis Díaz. The Colombian winger has been the subject of interest from both Bayern and Barcelona, despite Liverpool’s stance that he is not for sale.
“Díaz is a fantastic player. But I’m not sure he’s completely happy at Liverpool. Normally, after winning a title, you’d want to stay but he looks like he’s open to a move. “If Bayern have the opportunity to get him, they should try. Especially after losing Leroy Sane Díaz would be a great fit.”
As for Núñez, his Liverpool chapter isn’t officially closed but the signs are pointing that way. With the club now able to plan for a successor and more time to operate in the market, both sides could be nearing the kind of clean break that allows them to move forward.
For Núñez, the destination may matter less than the opportunity a place where he is trusted, consistent minutes are guaranteed, and the pressure dial is turned down just enough to rediscover what made him so highly regarded in the first place.
