La Pantera ( The Panther)
La Pantera (The Panther) he was. Darwin Nunez, the brilliant kid from Uruguay, gifted with explosive speed, great agility and a fine technique to boot, had made the world stand up and take note.
Jurgen Klopp Had Picked Darwin Nunez For Liverpool…
I was excited too when Liverpool announced ‘The Panther’s transfer from Benfica, in one of the most expensive buys for the Reds. The total deal was worth €85m in 2022. Jurgen Klopp no wonder had picked up one of the brightest players doing the rounds in Europe.
READ Liverpool Back To Winning Ways As Nunez Glows
… And Had Turned Liverpool Lethal
Nunez was truly gifted. He had searing pace, and from the left wing he was a real handful. He had great power and an amazing ability to score. With Salah, Cody Gakpo ( who too was transferred to Liverpool after an enterprising World Cup) and Luis Diaz, the Reds had a lethal combination.
READ Nunez Slays Magpies
The Great Developing Story Did Not Progress
The story was looking good, and Nunez was going to make it big. But that unfortunately never happened. The Panther missed much more than he scored; his appearances became shorter and shorter, and as time progressed, Nunez’s aura began to fade.
Nunez Sold To Al-Hilal
Liverpool, however, went on to win the EPL in 2024-25, but Nunez had very little role to play in that success and eventually was sold to Al-Hilal in the Roshn Saudi League for €53m. Nunez featured in 95 games for Liverpool but could score only 25 goals, 7 goals less than what he had scored for Benfica in just 57 appearances. He stayed a bit too long at Liverpool, which eventually became detrimental to his career.
Not Much Happened At Al-Hilal Too For Nunez
Not a lot happened at Al-Hilal either. The Panther had somehow lost his trait of speed and killing. He featured in only 16 games, scoring 6 goals in the process and was de-rostered from the squad when Karim Benzema was transferred from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal ( due to a number restriction on foreign players), though Nunez was available for games other than the Roshn Saudi League.
The Panther Might End Up With Diriyah On Loan
There is news, however, that Al-Hilal might send Darwin Nunez on loan to Saudi League newbies Diriyah. From Liverpool to Diriyah is a mighty run-down for a player who promised so much, was hugely talented, had defied a serious injury at the age of 17 and had fought against all odds to make a name for himself.
Is This A Blessing In Disguise?
Someone has to remind the Panther of his capabilities. Who knows, Diriyah might just be the stroke of luck Nunez needs. Not to forget, Danny Welbeck signed for Chelsea at 35. The Panther is only 27.