Chaos, calamity but a cult hero: Núñez exits after rollercoaster ride

Uruguayan leaves Liverpool after a largely frustrating spell but one that featured many dramatic moments

- Andy Hunter

It started with a goal to clinch the Community Shield against Manchester City on his Liverpool debut and a red card for a head-butt on his Anfield bow. There were glaring misses, falling-outs and some telling contributions in between, before it ended with Liverpool taking a rare financial hit on a one-time club record signing. Darwin Núñez never reached the heights Jürgen Klopp predicted he would, but it was an eventful three-year ride that ensures the striker is poised to depart in the affections of many at Liverpool.

Klopp led the signing of Núñez before and especially after his two appearances for Benfica against Liverpool in the 2021-22 Champions League. But he was not the only Liverpool coach to be sold on the Uruguay international's talents, become frustrated by attempts to accommodate the forward and ultimately sideline him. Arne Slot followed an identical path with the mercurial 26-year-old.

Núñez was out of favour long before Klopp left Anfield in May 2024, starting just one of the former Liverpool manager's last seven games. There was talk of Liverpool cutting their losses 12 months ago.