Liverpool news: Benfica confirm Darwin Nunez transfer, with initial £64m fee agreed

Planet Sport writer
13 June 2022

Darwin Nunez' future has finally been confirmed by Benfica, with the Portuguese club stating the 22-year-old will move to Liverpool for an initial £64million fee.

Liverpool's first major signing of the summer is complete, with the Reds managing to lure Darwin Nunez to Anfield from Benfica.

The talented 22-year-old striker scored 26 goals in 28 league games for the Portuguese club in 2021/22, and joins a Liverpool front line that is being revamped for next season.

With Sadio Mane already heading for the exit and Mohamed Salah reportedly on his way out next season, Liverpool have been forced to look for fresh attacking reinforcements. Nunez joins Luis Diaz and Fabio Carvalho as recent additions to the club's striking department.

He scored in both legs against Liverpool earlier in the season when Benfica faced the Reds in the Champions League quarter-final. Having clearly impressed Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff, Nunez quickly rose to the top of Liverpool's shopping list.

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

Despite facing competition from both Manchester United and Atletico Madrid for Nunez' signature, the Uruguay international was keen to work with Klopp, and the German manager has now got his man.

Benfica confirmed the transfer on Monday morning, releasing the following statement:

"We have reached an agreement with Liverpool FC for the sale of all rights to the player Darwin Nunez, for the amount of 75 million euros".

While the initial fee for Nunez sits at £64million, Benfica confirmed that further clauses and add-ons in the contract could see it rise to £85.5million - a fee that would eclipse Liverpool's £75million record spent on Virgil van Dijk back in 2018.

It's also believed that personal terms have been agreed already between Nunez and Liverpool, with a five-year contract expected to be announced.

That leaves just the formality of a medical to be completed, with the process expected to be completed by Wednesday before an official announcement is made by Liverpool.