O'Rourke: Darwin Nunez first in line to leave Liverpool after 'unhappy' reveal
03/23/2025 08:40 AM
Darwin Nunez is the first player in line to leave Liverpool at the end of the season and could push immediately for an exit, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 25-year-old is unhappy at the club after he was denied a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal in January.
Since then, he has been publicly criticised by Arne Slot amid suggestions that the manager is not happy with his performances so far this season.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Slot is not happy with Nunez and is now prepared to green-light his exit this summer.
Football Insider also revealed earlier this month that Liverpool want to sign a replacement for Nunez as they prepare for his expected departure.
The Reds spent £85million to sign the Uruguay international in 2022, but he has failed to impress since Slot’s arrival and has started just 17 of his 40 appearances this season.
| Darwin Nunez | |
| Appearances (Starts) | 40 (17) |
| Minutes Played | 1882 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Yellow Cards | 8 |
Liverpool prepared to accept offers for ‘unhappy’ Darwin Nunez
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 4 March that Nunez is unhappy at Liverpool after they turned down an offer from Al-Hilal during the January transfer window.
The Saudi Pro League outfit had been willing to pay huge money for the forward, but Slot wanted to keep his squad together as they aimed to compete in all four competitions.
They have since been knocked out of the Champions League round of 16 against PSG, and fell to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Saudi interest in Nunez has lingered, meanwhile, and Liverpool are now expected to be more open to his departure come the summer transfer window.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are open to offers of £50-60million for Nunez as they aim to make back a large percentage of their outlay.
Reds join Man United and Arsenal in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres
As speculation about the future of Nunez continues, there are also doubts around the positions of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz at Anfield.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Liverpool want to sign a world-class forward and are prepared to sell their current assets to facilitate the move.
Newcastle star Alexander Isak is among their top targets for the position, while they have been eyeing a potential move to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
Man United currently lead the race for Gyokeres despite rival interest from the Reds and from Arsenal, as a result of his close relationship with Ruben Amorim.
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The post O'Rourke: Darwin Nunez first in line to leave Liverpool after 'unhappy' reveal appeared first on Football Insider.
