Arne Slot has refuted allegations suggesting he is benching Darwin Nunez to avoid triggering a clause in the forward’s transfer from Benfica to Liverpool.
Reports from Portugal claimed that Nunez, who has not been in Liverpool’s starting lineup since March 8, is deliberately being left out to prevent activating an add-on in his £85m move back in 2022. It is believed that Liverpool would have to pay €5m (£4.3m) once Nunez reaches 60 starts in the Premier League and Champions League – he is currently on 59.
As Nunez is expected to be put up for sale this summer, it is alleged that Slot is deliberately keeping the Uruguayan out of the starting lineup until he is offloaded and the clause becomes void.
When questioned about the existence of such a clause, Slot denied any knowledge of it and dismissed suggestions that his team selection is influenced by it.
“Do you always believe everything the media says? Not always? Me neither,” Slot remarked. “Sometimes it’s best to take things with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to player rumors.
“This is completely news to me, and I have repeatedly emphasized the positive working environment I have at this club. The success of sporting directors is often judged by the players they bring in, but for me, it’s crucial to maintain a great working atmosphere, which I have with Richard [Hughes].
“Based on my ten months of working together, I can confidently say that he would never dictate team selection based on financial clauses. We have never even discussed such matters. He does not interfere with the starting lineup.”
Even if Nunez reaches 60 starts for Liverpool, it is anticipated that his time at the club may be limited as the Reds are open to offers for him in the upcoming transfer window.
Several clubs in Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested, with speculation also linking Nunez to a potential move to La Liga, where Barcelona is said to be monitoring the situation.
READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
sentence: “I need to go to the grocery store to buy some milk and bread.”
Revised sentence: “I have to head to the grocery store to purchase milk and bread.”