Darwin Nunez’ Mixed Time At Anfield Comes To An End

Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool Journey: From Euphoria to Exit

When Darwin Núñez arrived at Liverpool in June 2022 for an initial £64 million from Benfica, the expectation was that Anfield had secured one of Europe’s deadliest forwards. Three years, 143 appearances, and 40 goals later, Núñez departs for Al-Hilal — a player who could thrill and frustrate in equal measure.

Highlights That Defined His Time

For all the questions about his finishing, Núñez supplied moments etched into Liverpool folklore. His late double away at Newcastle in August 2023, a 99th-minute winner against Nottingham Forest in March 2024, and two stoppage-time goals against Brentford this January ensured his name will be recalled with warmth by many on Merseyside.

Photo: IMAGO

“Players miss chances – that I can accept,” said Arne Slot earlier this year, “What was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance… he wasn’t the usual Darwin that works his butt off.”

These peaks were counterbalanced by spells of wastefulness. His Premier League conversion rate stood at 11.1% — the lowest among Liverpool forwards over the past three seasons. The numbers tell a tale of a striker who created chaos but seldom certainty: 25 goals from 226 league attempts and a league-leading 14 times hitting the woodwork since his debut.

Why It Never Fully Clicked

The raw materials were obvious — blistering pace, physical power, relentless running — yet consistency eluded him. Under Jürgen Klopp, Núñez was labelled a “work in progress”. Under Slot, opportunities dwindled, with only eight league starts and seven goals last season. The signings of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz signalled a new attacking direction.

Núñez’s struggles weren’t solely technical. Confidence ebbed when chances went begging, and his visible frustration often mirrored that of the crowd. Supporters at Anfield embraced his vulnerability, even as the online discourse chipped away at his self-belief.