KEY POINTS

  • Liverpool paid $102 million for Darwin Nunez
  • The striker is Liverpool's club-record signing
  • Nunez has signed a six-year contract with the Reds

Liverpool FC have shown "ambition" by signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, according to head coach Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool announced Nunez's arrival at Anfield on Tuesday. "The Uruguayan forward has signed a long-term contract with the Reds after finalizing personal terms and completing a medical at the AXA Training Centre," Liverpool wrote in an official release.

The Anfield side secured Nunez at a club-record fee of around $102 million as the player signed a six-year contract. Liverpool paid an upfront fee of $77 million but add-ons mean it will rise to $102 million should Nunez reach the milestones outlined in his agreement, which includes scoring goals to winning the Champions League, according to Sky Sports.

"This is super news, really super news. I'm very grateful to everyone at the club for making it happen. We've shown decisiveness and ambition in equal measure. Darwin is a wonderful player; already really good but so much potential to get even better. That's why it's so exciting, to be honest. His age, his desire, his hunger to be even better than he currently is. He believes in our project and what we are looking to do as a club," Klopp told Liverpool's website.

The German boss went on to add that Nunez brings in "energy and he can threaten space from central and wide areas."

"He is aggressive and dynamic with his movement. He plays without fear, he’s powerful. I know he will excite our supporters. We have wonderful attacking options already and he becomes part of that now. So there is no pressure on him at all. He signs for a very long time and we intend to nurture his talent and see it grow," added Klopp.

Benfica forward Darwin Nunez is set to sign for Liverpool
Benfica forward Darwin Nunez is set to sign for Liverpool AFP / CARLOS COSTA

Liverpool are known for their incredible fan base who have always stood behind the club, irrespective of the results. Klopp noted that he was sure Liverpool supporters would soon make Nunez feel at home.

The Reds have also confirmed that Darwin will wear the No 27 shirt at Anfield, which was vacated by Divock Origi this summer.

Nunez spent two seasons at Benfica, scoring 48 goals and 16 assists in 85 competitive appearances. Last season, he finished as Benfica's leading goal scorer with 34 strikes, including 26 in the 2021-22 Primeira Liga.

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