Darwin Núñez's time at Liverpool has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with exhilarating highs, frustrating lows, and moments of pure, unadulterated chaos. After a relatively short three-year spell, the Uruguayan striker is on the verge of joining Al-Hilal in a deal that will see Liverpool recoup a significant portion of the €85 million they initially invested in him.
Núñez's arrival at Anfield in 2022 was met with considerable fanfare, with many expecting him to be the focal point of Liverpool's attack for years to come. He had a deceptive debut, scoring in the Community Shield against Manchester City. However, his time with the Reds has been marked by inconsistency, with flashes of brilliance often overshadowed by wayward finishing and a tendency to hit the woodwork. Last season, Núñez managed a mere seven goals in 47 appearances. Across 143 games for Liverpool, he scored 40 goals and provided 26 assists.
Despite his struggles in front of goal, Núñez remained a popular figure among Liverpool fans and teammates. His relentless work rate and undeniable passion for the game endeared him to the Anfield faithful, who often chanted his name in support. Even Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, while critical of Núñez's work rate in February, acknowledged the forward's effort in pre-season.
Núñez's unique and chaotic style of play often made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. There were days when he seemed unstoppable, his pace and power causing havoc in the opposition's penalty area. However, his inability to consistently find the target often left fans and managers alike tearing their hair out in frustration. A Premier League record was set in January 2024 against Chelsea, where Nunez hit the woodwork four times in a single match.
His departure leaves Liverpool with a need to reinforce their attacking options. Despite Liverpool's vast spending this summer, questions have been raised in some quarters, but once Nunez's move is completed, Arne Slot's net spend will drop to €112.5 million. Liverpool have been the biggest spenders so far this window but they've also recouped €143m in sales, which ranks them third from every club. The sales of Darwin and Diaz is making problems for the squad, as Liverpool are now very short in the attacking areas.
Ultimately, Darwin Núñez's Liverpool career will be remembered as an eventful one, full of misses, fall-outs, and late goals. While he may not have lived up to the initial expectations, he provided many memorable moments and will be missed by those who appreciated his unconventional talent and unwavering commitment.