Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez appeared to post and swiftly delete a social media message criticising his lack of Premier League starts for the Reds earlier on Saturday.
The Uruguay international quickly fell out of favour under Arne Slot following the Dutchman's arrival and has not started a top-flight match since the 3-1 home win over Southampton in early March.
Nunez scored and provided an assist in that success over the doomed Saints but has since been overlooked by Slot, allegedly due to the fact that Liverpool must pay Benfica another £4.2m if he starts another Premier League or Champions League game.
The Reds boss has denied the existence of such a clause, but with neither Luis Diaz nor Diogo Jota cutting the mustard in the number nine role, Nunez may have justifiably expected more chances in the early weeks of spring.
There is no denying that the South American has underwhelmed this season, only managing seven goals and as many assists in 42 matches, but his frustrations appeared to boil over on Saturday.
Nunez 'deletes tweet' before posting Alexis Mac Allister photo
Darwin Nuñez is NOT happy.
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) April 26, 2025
(He's since deleted this tweet). pic.twitter.com/OlJ648IMnq
Screenshots taken from Nunez's account on X - formerly known as Twitter - seem to show that he posted a message saying: "No wonder I didn't play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly..."
The 25-year-old was ostensibly referring to the reported clause in his contract that means Liverpool will have to fork out an additional fee to Benfica if he makes another start, although he then quickly deleted the post.
Nunez subsequently tried to calm the noise by sharing two photos of him at training - including a selfie with teammate Alexis Mac Allister - with the caption "Good morning!".
However, the replies to the Uruguay international's second post unsurprisingly referred to his previous deleted message, which has certainly sent tongues wagging ahead of the summer transfer window.
Nunez has not earned any minutes in Liverpool's last two games, and he is also expected to be on the bench when Slot's side host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, where one point will be enough for the title.
What next for Nunez after bizarre social media episode?
Good morning! 🧉🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/kO06IP2VWT
— Darwin Núñez (@Darwinn99) April 26, 2025
Nunez making headlines for his social media activity is nothing new; the former Benfica man memorably caused a stir in May when he deleted all Liverpool-based content from his Instagram account.
Almost one year later, Nunez's bombshell post will partially overshadow what should be a glorious weekend for Liverpool, who are expected to entertain appropriate offers for his signature this summer.
The Saudi Pro League were understood to have pursued a move for the Uruguayan in January, only for Liverpool to block an exit due to them having little time to scope out a replacement attacker.
However, clubs from the Middle East are expected to come back in for Nunez this summer, while two Premier League teams could reportedly offer the former Benfica man a lifeline too.
Liverpool agreed to potentially make Nunez their most expensive player of all time in 2022, forking out an initial fee of £64m rising to £85m with add-ons, but he has only managed 40 goals in 138 matches for the Reds since.
Ben Knapton
