Liverpool have dominated this season, outperforming the rest of the Premier League and European sides in their pursuit of silverware. The team has been in sync, delivering strong performances, but one player has struggled to meet expectations and is now expected to depart in the summer. Darwin Nunez is likely to leave after failing to impress under Arne Slot, but Atletico Madrid have ruled out a move. A club official dismissed any interest, while Fabrizio Romano has revealed where the Uruguayan is most likely to land.
Since making his £85m move (including add-ons) from Benfica to Anfield in 2022, Darwin Nunez has shown moments of brilliance but has failed to justify his hefty price tag. While Jurgen Klopp regularly included him in Liverpool’s lineup, he has fallen down the pecking order under Arne Slot.
The Uruguayan international has started only seven Premier League matches this season, with Slot favouring Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Mo Salah. His limited game time has fueled speculation about a potential departure, with Atletico Madrid previously linked to a move for the striker.
What’s next for the Uruguayan striker
Darwin Nunez has not been able to deliver this season, not being as good as he was supposed to be. The Uruguayan has only provided 11 goal contributions and appears to have lost the confidence of Arne Slot.
Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin ended rumors connecting the club with a transfer for Nunez, declaring that Atletico are not on the lookout for a striker. In an interview with Football Espana, he explained that the club’s priority is reinforcing other departments and labeled reports of their interest in Nunez as entirely unfounded.
A move to Madrid is no longer an option for Darwin Nunez, but reports from TEAMtalk suggest Liverpool could sell him this summer—provided they secure a suitable replacement. TEAMtalk contributor Ben Jacobs recently revealed that Al-Nassr had a verbal £58m bid for Nunez rejected in January before turning their attention to Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
Saudi clubs remain interested, and sources indicate that Nunez is now open to a move to the Gulf State. He initially resisted a transfer in January, wanting to stay and compete as Liverpool chased silverware on multiple fronts.
It remains uncertain whether Saudi clubs will reignite their pursuit, as most of the big-spending teams already have lead strikers. However, sources suggest Liverpool are more open to selling him this summer than they were in January. Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has described Nunez’s departure as a “concrete possibility,” with the Middle East emerging as the most likely destination.
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Nunez’s departure in the summer remains a strong possibility, with discussions already taking place in recent months. Liverpool are expected to secure a replacement before finalising any move, and they have identified Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as a key target—though his price tag could reach £150m. Brighton’s Joao Pedro is also on their shortlist as they assess their options for reinforcing the attack.
