Darwin Nuñez was not considered for sale this summer, despite bizarre reports of a Joao Felix swap deal.
The Uruguayan has been in fine form so far this season, scoring twice and registering an assist, following on from a pre-season in which he netted four times.
Despite starting the 2023/24 Premier League campaign behind the likes of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order, Nuñez has found a way to impress – most notably by coming on to turn the game for Liverpool with a brace in the 2-1 victory over Newcastle last month.
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The former Benfica star, who joined Liverpool for an initial £64m back in 2022, was handed the number nine shirt this summer following Roberto Firmino’s departure – an honour which made talk of his possible exit even more unlikely.
However, one report from Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo suggested that Liverpool were among the clubs interested in new Barcelona loan signing Felix and could even have offered Nuñez up to help seal the deal.
Unsurprisingly, this has been shot down as nonsense by Fabrizio Romano.
Writing in his column for CaughtOffside the transfer reporter said: “Despite rumours about a swap deal for Joao Felix being discussed, Liverpool never wanted Darwin Nuñez to leave this summer.
“It was very clear on club side, the board and also the manager decided to keep Darwin in very clear way. Darwin was very happy with Liverpool considering him untouchable.”
Speaking after his starring performance in the Reds’ comeback against Newcastle, Nuñez revealed how he has used ‘anger’ at not starting games to fuel his performances.
He said: “The minutes I get to play I always try to give my best. When it’s my turn to be on the bench, I go in angry in a good way because I always want to prove myself.
