The remark, made during a reflective discussion about his career, has left supporters reeling, with one particular detail amplifying concerns about his future at the club. While the exact quote and full context of the interview remain partially unclear due to translation nuances, the sentiment has been interpreted as a possible hint at his dissatisfaction or emotional struggles at Anfield, prompting fears that Núñez may be considering an exit.
The 26-year-old, signed from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64 million (potentially rising to £85 million), has had a polarizing tenure at Liverpool. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a brace in a 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford in January 2025 and 15 goals in his debut 2023/24 season, Núñez’s inconsistent finishing has drawn criticism.
His 18.3% shot conversion rate last season, while respectable, paled in comparison to teammate Luis Diaz’s efficiency, and his tally of seven Premier League goals in 42 appearances (17 starts) in 2024/25 fueled frustration among some fans.
A notable miss against Aston Villa in February 2025, dubbed the “miss of the season” by pundits, and a penalty failure in Liverpool’s Champions League exit to PSG in March 2025, further intensified scrutiny.
The specific detail that “shook” fans appears tied to Núñez’s emotional tone and a perceived reference to his limited playing time under manager Arne Slot. In April 2025, Núñez posted a now-deleted social media message stating, “No wonder I didn’t play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…”
This was widely linked to reports that Liverpool avoided giving him a 50th Premier League start to evade a €5 million payment to Benfica, suggesting financial motives behind Slot’s selections. Fans interpreted this as a sign of Núñez feeling undervalued, and his recent interview comment about “sadness” has reignited these concerns, with many fearing he’s signaling a desire to leave.
Núñez’s history of cryptic social media activity adds fuel to the speculation. In May 2024, he removed all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram, and in September 2024, he made his account private after limited starts under Slot, who favored the late Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo.
His posts often carry motivational undertones, such as “It’s not about how many times I fall. It’s about how many times I rise” in April 2025, liked by teammates like Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister. However, the “sadness” remark stands out for its melancholic tone, contrasting with his usual resilience-themed messages, leading fans to speculate about deeper personal or professional discontent.
Transfer rumors have swirled, with Napoli offering €50 million plus €5 million in July 2025, and Al-Hilal reportedly preparing a £65 million bid with a £400,000-per-week salary. Liverpool’s openness to selling Núñez, as noted in Italian media, contrasts with their firm stance on retaining Luis Diaz, whose work-rate and 18.3% conversion rate were praised by legend John Aldridge.
The emotional weight of Núñez’s comment may also tie to the tragic loss of teammate Diogo Jota in a car crash in July 2025, which Núñez honored with a goal celebration against Preston, adding a layer of personal grief to his “sadness.”
Fans are divided, with some expressing sympathy, citing his 37 goals and assists in 4,520 Premier League minutes (a goal or assist every 122 minutes), and others believing his inconsistent finishing—highlighted by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s visible frustration after a poor decision against Brentford—makes him ill-suited for Slot’s system.
The fear among supporters is that Núñez’s “sadness” signals an imminent departure, potentially weakening Liverpool’s attack as they defend their Premier League title and compete in the Champions League. While Núñez’s work-rate and raw talent are undeniable, his cryptic comment has left fans bracing for a possible end to his turbulent Liverpool journey.
