What Arne Slot told Darwin Nunez during private chat before Liverpool exit decision

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Arne Slot spoke to Darwin Nunez at the end of last season regarding his future at the club.

The Uruguayan’s future has been a topic of discussion since the January transfer window, with Saudi Pro League expressing strong interest in signing him.

Al-Nassr made a bid to sign Nunez in January worth £71m, but Liverpool refused to sell him then.

The interest in the player remains from the Saudi Pro League and the Reds are now willing to sell him as well.

TBR Football understands that Liverpool have informed Nunez that he is being put up for sale.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League

Arne Slot tells Darwin Nunez he is not part of his plans at Liverpool

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey reveals that Arne Slot spoke to Nunez at length before the end of last season at which point he was told that he will not feature prominently going forward.

Nunez accepted that his future now lies away from Anfield and it is understood there is no ‘bitterness’ on his part and he appreciates Slot and Liverpool for being up front with him.

TBR Football understands that Saudi Pro League clubs have spoken to Nunez’s representatives who have informed them that the player is open to a move to Saudi.

His versatility up front makes him an appealing option, with Al-Hilal keen on signing him but other Saudi clubs are showing interest as well.

As per TBR Football sources, the player would prefer to stay in Europe, with Atletico Madrid previously showing interest in Nunez, or move to MLS or South America but it is understood that his high-cost makes it a difficult option.

Liverpool are said to be seeking a fee in the region above £60m, however, they may have to settle for slightly less depending on what his personal terms look like.

Darwin Nunez’s impressive stats despite inconsistent Liverpool stint

Nunez joined the Reds in 2022 from Benfica for a club-record fee of £85m. He made a stunning start with a goal in the Community Shield against Man City and on his Premier League debut.

And while he has had several clutch moments for Liverpool since then, he has failed to be a consistent performer, missing a number of sitters, chances that one would expect to be finished by any striker.

Despite his misses, his overall numbers are not that bad, given that he has 38 goals and assists (scored 25 goals and assisted 13) in 49 starts in the Premier League.

In 143 games across all competitions, Nunez has scored 40 and assisted 26 goals, which is 66 goal contributions in 76 starts across all competitions.

It now appears that his time at the club has come to an end. Regardless of which club he joins, he will leave as a Liverpool fan favourite.

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