Liverpool are set to avoid triggering a clause that will see them pay an additional €5 million to Benfica when Darwin Nunez makes his next Premier League start — his 50th for the club.
As part of the deal agreed during the Uruguayan’s move from Benfica in the summer of 2022, the Reds are obliged to pay the fee upon his 50th league start, adding to the structured payments in the original agreement.
Darwin Nunez, who has yet to live up to expectations following his big money move from Benfica, has made 49 Premier League starts for Liverpool, only eight of which have come this season.
Why Arne Slot continues to Overlook Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez has started just one of Liverpool’s last 14 Premier League matches, featuring in 11 and remaining an unused substitute on three occasions.
With fans increasingly questioning Arne Slot’s decision to overlook the Uruguayan, reports suggest the club is reluctant to trigger a clause that would see them owe Benfica an additional €5 million once Nunez reaches 50 Premier League starts.
Liverpool signed the striker for a club-record £85 million from Benfica three summers ago under Jürgen Klopp. Now, with limited starts as a result of poor performances, the club is reportedly open to parting ways with the former Almería forward.
With just five games remaining and the Premier League title already secured, Liverpool have little incentive to start Nunez again. This allows the club to potentially avoid the €5 million payment to Benfica, especially as they look prepared to part company with striker in the summer.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
