After his high-profile transfer from Benfica to Liverpool, Darwin Nรบรฑez came under heavy criticism for squandering numerous scoring chances. According to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, Liverpoolโs recruitment staff initially preferred a different option to the Uruguayan striker.
Despite that, then-manager Jรผrgen Kloppโwho guided the club through 489 matches and now serves as Red Bullโs Global Sports Directorโinsisted on securing Nรบรฑezโs signing for ยฃ85 million.
Although he managed a respectable tally of 40 goals in 143 games for the Reds, many felt he should have scored more given the volume of opportunities created for him. In comparison with Manchester Cityโs Erling Haaland and former teammate Mohamed Salahโboth regarded among the worldโs eliteโNรบรฑezโs finishing appeared underwhelming.
Now departed from Anfield, the 26-year-old, once tipped to be a lethal centre-forward, ultimately failed to fulfil his potential in England. His lack of composure in clear-cut situations frequently tested supportersโ patience. While Liverpool fans consistently backed him during his struggles, few are particularly upset to see him leave.
Interestingly, Joyce revealed that before signing Nรบรฑez, Liverpool also considered Christopher Nkunku, then playing for RB Leipzig. The French forward was admired by the clubโs hierarchy, but Klopp pushed for Nรบรฑez to be the chosen signing.
