Liverpool paid Benfica an initial £64.2 million for Darwin Nunez in June 2022, with the fee having the potential to rise to £85 million due to add ons that are likely to be met.

Born in Artigas, Uruguay in 1999, Nunez made his debut for Penarol as an eighteen year old in November 2017, coming on as a substitute for former Liverpool player Maxi Rodrigues in a game against River Plate Montevideo. Knee surgery stalled his progress but despite having made just fourteen appearances, UD Almeria of Spain's second tier were willing to pay $4.5 million for his services in the summer of 2019.

Nunez finished 2019/20 as Almeria's top scorer with sixteen goals, leading to Benfica signing him for a club record €24 million. He had a mixed first season, suffering niggling injuries and contracting Covid 19.  He ended the campaign with five goals and ten assists, then underwent knee surgery meaning he missed the start of 2021/22. When he got going in September though he was sensational, scoring twice in a 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona and being named player of he month in the domestic league. He scored back to back hat tricks in away games in the run in to Christmas and the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam that set up a Champions League quarter final clash with Liverpool. the Reds won this tie 6-4 on aggregate, with Nunez scoring in both legs. 

By the end of the season Nunez was one of Europe's hottest properties, having finished as the Portuguese league's top scorer with 26 goals in 28 games. Liverpool moved quickly and agreed a free with Benfica whilst Nunez was on international duty, before bringing him to Merseyside to finalise the deal and formally announce it on 14th June. Comfortable on the left wing or in the middle, he is strong, well built, fast and is an exciting addition to Liverpool's front line.