'Gets treated differently' - Arne Slot has a 'personal issue' with Darwin Nunez at Liverpool, suggests ex-Premier League star Gus Poyet

Nunez, who joined Liverpool in a big-money deal from Benfica in the summer of 2022, was expected to blossom into a dependable goalscorer. However, things haven’t panned out that way for the Uruguay international. With just five Premier League goals to his name this campaign, the 24-year-old has struggled to cement his place in Slot's starting XI, raising questions about his future at Anfield.

Nunez’s stop-start Liverpool career has seen glimpses of his potential, but few sustained runs of form. Now, in a candid assessment of the striker’s current predicament, Poyet was unambiguous in his belief that something deeper may be plaguing Nunez.

“I think he needs to make a decision this summer on whether he’s happy with his role at Liverpool or he wants something different," the former Uruguay and Tottenham star told bettingexpert.com."He’s the number one striker for the national team and he’s the kind of player you don’t want to play against. But with Liverpool he’s in and out and he gets treated differently to other Liverpool players."

Slot’s apparent preference for other attacking options, coupled with Nunez’s underwhelming output, has left Poyet wondering whether the relationship between manager and player has reached an impasse.

"(Cody) Gakpo can go 10-15 games with no goal and it’s not a problem," he added. "Nunez it’s always a problem. It’s difficult to deal with and it’s personal. It up to him as to whether he’s happy with his role and his family being in England dealing with the scrutiny. Liverpool is a big club and moving countries is difficult.”

With the summer transfer window approaching, clubs in the Saudi Pro League are already laying the groundwork for ambitious signings, and Nunez is reportedly among the names on their radar. The proposition of a new beginning - likely with a lucrative contract and less pressure - might appeal to Nunez, especially if he remains on the fringes at Anfield.

Liverpool’s immediate attention shifts to their upcoming Premier League fixture against West Ham on Sunday. With their title ambitions almost fulfilled, the club will aim to get another three points and potentially widen the gap to second-placed Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Nunez features in the game or remains as an unused substitute.