Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez will not be joining Atlético Madrid, according to the Spanish club’s management. Speculation had been mounting over the Uruguayan forward’s future at Anfield, especially given his limited game time under new manager Arne Slot. However, Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has firmly denied any interest in signing him.
Núñez joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a fee that could rise to £85 million, but he has struggled to consistently replicate the form that made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects. Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, he was a regular starter, but since Slot’s arrival, the 25-year-old has seen fewer opportunities, starting just seven Premier League matches this season. With competition from Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah, his role has become more restricted.
Reports linking Núñez to Atlético Madrid had been gaining traction, but Gil Marín dismissed them outright, stating:
“A move for Darwin Núñez? We are not looking for a striker. Our priority is strengthening other areas of the squad, and Núñez is not part of our transfer plans. The rumors about our interest in him are completely unfounded.”
With Atlético out of the picture, Núñez’s options could be limited if he seeks more regular first-team football. In January, Saudi club Al-Nassr reportedly had a £58 million bid for him rejected before turning their attention to Jhon Durán from Aston Villa.
For now, Núñez’s future remains uncertain. Liverpool have not publicly indicated any
