Liverpool achieved a club-record deal in 2022 when they signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica. This Uruguayan international forward reached his 60th appearance for the Reds in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
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Liverpool owes Benfica an additional £8.5million for Darwin Nunez following his 60th appearance for the club during the 1-1 draw at Manchester City. The 24-year-old forward was involved in a heated post-match confrontation with Pep Guardiola after helping the Reds secure a crucial point in the Premier League title race.
Nunez struggled to replicate the impressive form he showcased during the international break for Uruguay, despite forcing several notable saves from Ederson. This unpredictable South American attacker was acquired by Liverpool in a club-record £85m deal from the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2022.
However, only £64m of that amount was paid upfront, with the remaining £21m being composed of add-ons. Liverpool transferred £4.3m to Benfica after Nunez’s first 10 appearances, and is now set to pay an additional £8.5m following his 60th appearance.
The final £8.5m will “depend on the individual and collective performance of the team throughout the contract.” Nunez has scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 16 starts for both club and country this season.
He has scored 22 goals in 60 appearances under Jurgen Klopp. The Liverpool coach commented on the incident, saying: “It has nothing to do with the fierce rivalry. I don’t think Darwin Nunez knows anything about it. I don’t think I’m the one to explain it because I’m not involved, surprisingly. I love them both. I tried to calm it down without understanding a word.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola declined to comment on the incident. He later said with a smile: “Nothing happened.” The Reds remain just one point behind City in the Premier League table, as the champions drew their second successive game after previously being held by Chelsea in a thrilling eight-goal match before the international break.
Nunez received praise from Liverpool icon and international teammate Luis Suarez, who he continued to displace in Uruguay’s starting XI. Suarez commented, “I am in a role that leaves me very happy, trying to help with whatever I have to. I have one of the best No.9s in the world in front of me today, which is Darwin.”
Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.
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