Benfica have issued official confirmation that they have reached an agreement with Liverpool over the sale of Darwin Nunez.
As confirmed by the club’s official website, SL Benfica have an agreement with Liverpool FC to sell Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez. The forward is expected to complete his medical later on Monday before the transfer is fully finalised.
Nunez joined Benfica in the summer of 2020 from Spanish second division side UD Almeria. After enjoying a steady debut campaign in Portugal, the 22-year-old striker took his game to a different level in the 2021/22 season, finishing with 34 goals and four assists from 41 appearances across all competitions.
Nunez caught the eye with his displays in the UEFA Champions League against teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while Liverpool also saw him from close quarters during their quarter-final encounter, scoring once in each leg.
Nunez’s performances had seen him attract admirers from across Europe, with the likes of Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Newcastle United all linked with him in recent weeks. Arsenal, too, had been mentioned as a suitor, but it is Liverpool who have come out on top in the race to sign Nunez.
Official and here we go confirmed!Darwin Núñez, new Liverpool player on a permanent deal from Benfica. ?? #LFC
Benfica statement confirms “deal now signed for €75m fee plus add-ons to reach €100m package”.
Núñez will sign until 2028, medical today.
Never been in doubt. pic.twitter.com/DEroWLCBH7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2022
Liverpool had stepped up the pursuit of the Uruguayan international since last week, and Benfica have now confirmed that the two clubs have reached an agreement over a deal worth €75 million, which can rise to €100 million with add-ons.
“In the early morning hours of this Monday (0:44 am), Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD informed the Securities Market Commission (CMVM) that it had reached an agreement with Liverpool FC for the sale of all rights to the player Darwin Nuñez, for the amount of 75 million euros.
“The agreement provides for the payment of a variable remuneration, so the global amount of the sale could reach the amount of 100 million euros,” the official statement from SL Benfica read.
Personal terms between Nunez and Liverpool are already believed to be agreed, with reliable journalists Paul Joyce and Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Uruguayan international will sign a six-year deal with the Reds, running until 2028. A medical is expected to be completed later on Monday before the Merseyside giants confirm the move from their end.
With Sadio Mane expected to leave this summer and the contracts of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah also expiring in a year, Liverpool are working towards refreshing their frontline. Diogo Jota has grown into an important player, while Luis Diaz was signed in January to add more quality. With Nunez set to arrive, Jurgen Klopp now has a deadly trio that can take over from the old guard in due time.
Featured Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
