Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been accused of having a “personal issue” with Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez as the Reds continue their push towards Premier League glory.
Nunez joined Liverpool in a big-money deal from Benfica in the summer of 2022 and was expected to blossom into a dependable goalscorer. However, things haven’t panned out that way for the Uruguay international.
The 24-year-old has just five Premier League goals to his name this campaign, a move that has seen him struggle to cement his place in Slot’s starting XI.
Liverpool are expected to bring in a new striker during the summer and this has raised questions about Nunez’s future at Anfield.
L Darwin Nunez of Liverpool looks on during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
In a candid assessment of the striker’s current predicament at Liverpool, Ex-Premier League star Gus Poyet was unambiguous in his belief that something deeper may be plaguing Nunez.
“I think he needs to make a decision this summer on whether he’s happy with his role at Liverpool or he wants something different,” the former Uruguay and Tottenham star told bettingexpert.com. “He’s the number one striker for the national team and he’s the kind of player you don’t want to play against. But with Liverpool he’s in and out and he gets treated differently to other Liverpool players.”
Slot’s apparent preference for other attacking options, coupled with Nunez’s underwhelming output, has left Poyet wondering whether the relationship between manager and player has reached an impasse.
“(Cody) Gakpo can go 10-15 games with no goal and it’s not a problem,” he added. “Nunez it’s always a problem. It’s difficult to deal with and it’s personal. It up to him as to whether he’s happy with his role and his family being in England dealing with the scrutiny. Liverpool is a big club and moving countries is difficult.”
Nunez name has been mentioned among Premier League clubs ahead of a potential transfer but clubs in the Saudi Pro League are already laying the groundwork for the Uruguayan.
