Nunez nightmare ends! European giants 'SEDUCED' by Liverpool flop

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Apr 2025 15:57 BST
4 min read

Much-maligned Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has 'seduced' Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, according to Spanish media.

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The Uruguay international is expected to depart the Anfield club this summer after three hugely disappointing seasons. The 2022 signing, who cost Liverpool a whopping €75 million plus a potential €25m in bonuses, has never managed to live up to the hype.

STATS

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Liverpool

Darwin Núñez

F (C), AM (L)

Liverpool

43

Games
7

Goals
5

Assists

Nunez's contribution to Liverpool's now-confirmed Premier League title has been minimal, and he even managed to make negative headlines during the celebrations by pouring what appeared to be champagne on devout Muslim Mohamed Salah.

Such has been Nunez's lack of impact that he has become the subject of an eye-catching theory, which posits that Liverpool boss Arne Slot is refusing to start him so as to avoid having to pay an additional €5m in bonuses to his former club Benfica.

Slot has dismissed these claims, but Nunez himself appears to subscribe to this theory, considering that he recently fired shots at the head coach in a quickly deleted social media post.

Nunez on his way to LaLiga?

The Saudi Pro League has been deemed Nunez's most realistic next destination this summer. Al-Nassr were in advanced talks with Liverpool in January, but the Reds ultimately pulled the plug on the deal as they did not want to disrupt squad harmony mid-season.

Al-Nassr ended up signing Jhon Duran for €77m, which means that they are out of the running for Nunez's signature, but it is thought that he will have other options in the Pro League.

However, it may not have to come to this, and Nunez could remain in Europe. According to AS, Atletico Madrid view Nunez as a 'good' and 'attractive' replacement for Angel Correa.

Nunez is said to have 'seduced' Diego Simeone, and he certainly appears to suit Cholo's style in terms of his work rate and similarly hot-headed personality.

Intriguingly, the Spanish outlet claims that Nunez could be a 'cheap' option for Atletico due to Liverpool's desperation to get him off the books. It is claimed that the Reds would even be open to a loan with an option or obligation to buy in the region of €40m-€45m.

Nottingham Forest are also credited with an interest in the striker, although their ability to afford and attract him will hinge on Champions League qualification.

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