Arne Slot Dismisses Claims Linking Nunez’s Limited Minutes to Benfica’s £5M Clause

Arne Slot Denies Liverpool Are Restricting Darwin Nunez Due to £5m Benfica Clause

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed claims that Darwin Nunez’s limited playing time is linked to a contractual clause requiring the club to pay Benfica £5 million once the striker reaches 60 combined Premier League and Champions League starts. Nunez, signed from Benfica in 2022, has made 59 such starts, with just eight league appearances this season.

Clause Speculation Debunked
Reports in Portugal suggested Liverpool were delaying Nunez’s 60th start to avoid triggering the payment. Slot firmly denied this, stating, “Do you always believe what journalists say? Me neither. This idea is new to me, and our sporting directors would never interfere over financial clauses.” He emphasized trust in Liverpool’s management, praising his collaborative relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes.

[Image: Arne Slot at a press conference, caption: “Slot insists sporting directors do not influence lineup decisions.”]

Training Incident Rumors Addressed
Slot also refuted earlier speculation of a training-ground dispute affecting Nunez’s selection, clarifying the Uruguayan is neither injured nor ill. “We’ve moved past that rumor,” he said, underscoring his focus on tactical choices rather than off-field drama.

Nunez’s Uncertain Future
Despite his £85 million transfer fee, Nunez’s inconsistent form has fueled uncertainty about his Anfield future. Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr reportedly sought his signature in January, and interest persists. Liverpool resisted mid-season offers but may reconsider this summer amid ongoing scrutiny over his role.

[Image: Darwin Nunez warming up on the sidelines, caption: “Nunez’s future remains unclear amid limited starts and Saudi interest.”]

Performance Over Financials
Slot reiterated that lineup decisions are purely sporting. “The last thing our staff would do is let finances dictate selections,” he said, questioning the clause’s validity. “I don’t even know if it’s true. We focus on what’s best for the team.”

Fan and Pundit Reactions
Supporters have mixed views on Nunez’s contributions, with critics highlighting his erratic finishing. Slot, however, acknowledged the striker’s potential: “Darwin has qualities we value, but every player must earn their place.”

[Image: Nunez in action during a Liverpool match, caption: “Nunez’s work rate remains a talking point among fans.”]

Looking Ahead
With Liverpool aiming to close the season strongly, Slot faces pressure to integrate Nunez or justify his bench role. The manager remains adamant that performance, not finances, will guide his choices. “My job is to win games, not count clauses,” he asserted.

As speculation swirls, Nunez’s next start—or exit—could prove pivotal for both player and club.