Why Liverpool are no longer starting Darwin Nunez revealed | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez's extended absence from Liverpool's starting XI could be motivated by financial measures as much as tactical considerations, a report has claimed.

Nunez is one of the rare examples of a misstep from Liverpool in the transfer market over the last decade. The Uruguayan striker was signed from Benfica for an initial €75m (£64m) that could rise to as much as €100m (£85m) with add-ons, but is yet to score more than 11 Premier League goals in a single campaign.

While Jurgen Klopp appeared to be more invested and patient with Nunez, the 25-year-old hasn't had the same opportunities under successor Arne Slot. He's been afforded just eight Premier League starts this season, with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all typically preferred.

Nunez was heavily linked with a January exit to Saudi Arabia and his future remains distinctly uncertain now, with Liverpool thought to be in the market for a new striker.

One more start would cost Liverpool €5m / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

In Portugal, A Bola has a theory as to why Nunez hasn't started a Premier League game in almost two months. Liverpool have already paid Lisbon giants Benfica an extra €10m on top of the original fee due to two €5m add-ons being triggered.

When Nunez made his first ten starts in the Premier League or Champions League, Liverpool were thought to be liable for a payment. Each 25 starts in those two competitions thereafter is said to trigger a further €5m payment, up to the total transfer value.

With Liverpool out of the Champions League earlier than expected this season, Nunez is one more Premier League start away from completing the next block of 25. The implication is that Liverpool are keenly aware and are holding Nunez back to avoid paying out €5m on a player who could soon leave.

Liverpool can win the Premier League title with just a single point against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and A Bola's theory would then be tested as they navigate the remaining dead rubbers.

Those game could be an opportunity for Slot to hand chances to players who have occupied more fringe roles this season, but if Nunez is continually overlooked it would be a strong indicator.