Premier League powerhouse Liverpool splashed club-record €100 million to sign talented forward Darwin Nunez from Benfica. The Portuguese side confirmed the transfer in a statement issued on Monday.
The English club is yet to acknowledge the deal as Nunez is yet to complete his medical. Once he clears that hurdle, the 22-year-old will ink a five-year deal with the Reds.
“The agreement provides for the payment of a variable remuneration, so the global amount of the sale could reach the amount of €100m,” said Benfica in a statement. “The aforementioned agreement is dependent on the signing of the player’s sports employment contract with Liverpool FC.”
According to reports, Liverpool will initially pay €75 million for Nunez, while the agreement also has €25 million in add-ons. If conditions for all add-ons are met, the transfer will be worth €100 million. The current club record is €84.65 million they paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018.
Darwin Nunez emerged as a target for top European clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal this summer after a breakthrough 2021-22 campaign with Benfica. Nunez made 28 appearances in Liga Portugal and scored 26 goals to go with four assists. He added a further eight goals in other competitions, including six in UEFA Champions League.
With a deal for Nunez completed, Liverpool might now be more open to letting Sadio Mane go. The Senegalese forward has been a subject of a bid from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, but the Reds have been driving a hard bargain. With his replacement already in place, they might now be more open to negotiations.
