Liverpool's Arne Slot denies contract clause drama over Darwin Nunez's future
By
SABC Sport
25th April 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has firmly dismissed suggestions that a contractual clause is influencing his team selections, amid swirling speculation about Darwin Nunez's future at Anfield.
The Uruguayan striker, who has struggled for consistent starts this season, is reportedly nearing a summer departure.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed in early April that Liverpool have been planning Nunez's exit since February. "The plan is clear: Darwin Nunez, expected to leave Liverpool in the summer," Romano posted on X. "After an offer from Al Nassr was rejected in January, all options will be considered." Nunez, who has started only eight Premier League matches this term, is said to be open to a new challenge.
Recent reports from Portugal claimed Liverpool would owe Benfica an additional five million euros if Nunez reaches 60 starts for the club, a milestone he is just one start shy of triggering.
When pressed on whether this clause affects his lineup decisions, Slot was dismissive in a pre-match press conference. "Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither," he said. "This is completely new to me. I work in a great environment with Richard Hughes, our sporting director.
"The last thing he'd do is tell me who to play based on a clause. He never interferes with the lineup."
Slot's comments underline the strong working relationship at Liverpool, with Hughes focusing on recruitment rather than tactical decisions. However, Nunez's limited game time has fueled speculation, with fans on X expressing mixed views.
Elsewhere, Slot addressed the development of young right-back Conor Bradley, who could see increased minutes if Trent Alexander-Arnold departs for Real Madrid, as widely anticipated.
"Conor is getting closer to playing 90 minutes," Slot said. "We're managing him carefully after two similar injuries. He's got the quality to play every week, but with Trent, a world-class full-back, here, it's tough for him to break through. That's his next step, to handle that pressure consistently."
Slot's cautious optimism suggests Liverpool are preparing for a future where Bradley could step up, but Alexander-Arnold's presence remains a significant hurdle.
As Liverpool navigate a transitional season, Nunez's potential exit and Bradley's rise highlight the delicate balance Slot must strike between immediate results and long-term planning. With the transfer window looming, Anfield braces for seismic changes.
