Darwin Nunez has allegedly been left unhappy at Liverpool having failed to secure a transfer away from the club.
The Uruguay international has failed to live up to his transfer fee since leaving Benfica for Anfield in the summer of 2022.
A total of 39 goals and 22 assists have come from 132 appearances in all competitions, with the majority of those contributions coming prior to the arrival of Arne Slot.
Since Jurgen Klopp left Merseyside, Nunez has chipped in with just six strikes and five assists from 36 outings, Slot rarely seeing the player as first choice.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old’s work-rate was recently criticised by Slot, something that will not help the player’s cause with regaining his place down the centre of the attack.
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Nunez to push for exit?
According to Football Insider, Nunez was eager to secure a transfer away from the Premier League leaders during the winter transfer window.
Nunez is said to have wanted the opportunity to speak to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who would have realistically been prepared to offer him a substantial pay increase.
Liverpool reportedly had no intention of allowing a player of Nunez’s standing to depart at the midway point of the campaign when they were still competing for four trophies.
Slot is still targeting a treble of the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup in his first campaign, with Nunez expected to be used on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, the report alleges that Nunez will be allowed to leave Liverpool in the summer, which will represent the midway point of his six-year contract.
That will provide Liverpool with more time to secure a suitable replacement, rather than rush any business at the turn of the year.
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Nunez can still justify price-tag
Having failed to feature for longer than 32 minutes in any match since February 6, it has become clear that Nunez is not in favour with Slot.
However, it is imperative that Nunez is used on a rotational basis if Slot is to get the best out of his other attackers, particularly when Federico Chiesa has barely featured.
If Nunez can score a defining goal in their chase for glory in the Champions League or EFL Cup, it will help him be more fondly remembered by the club’s supporters.
A double versus Brentford on January 18 is his last contribution, those two goals helping Liverpool cement control in the Premier League title race.
