Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp responds to "external speculation" about Darwin Nunez

The Reds striker was recently linked with a possible transfer away from Anfield.

Darwin Nunez pictured during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat at Everton in April

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed rumours regarding the future of striker Darwin Nunez.

The 24-year-old Uruguayan has not scored in his last eight appearances for the Reds and has been widely criticised by sections of the club’s fanbase.

After a frustrating 20-minute cameo in last week’s 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Nunez responded by deleting all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram account.

This sparked reports that he could be set to leave Anfield this summer, with Barcelona touted as a potential destination by some Spanish tabloids.

But Klopp appeared oblivious to this transfer talk when quizzed at a press conference on Friday.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano on X.com, Klopp said: “There is no speculation on his future. That must be external speculation.

“Darwin was not happy missing that chance and it happens. You help him if you can, but it’s part of a footballer’s career.”

Nunez - who has scored 33 goals in 94 Liverpool games since signing from Benfica in the summer of 2022 - is under contract at Anfield until June 2028.

He is widely expected to still be a Liverpool player next season.

However, Klopp’s time as Liverpool manager is almost up.

The German has taken charge of 489 matches after being hired by the Reds back in October 2015.

But he has just two more games remaining - away at Aston Villa on Monday and then at home to Wolves on May 19 - before he stands down.

Klopp’s replacement will be current Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.

Romano believes that Nunez is feeling positive about Slot’s upcoming arrival.

In his Daily Briefing on Tuesday, Romano wrote: “A lot of fans are asking about Darwin Nunez deleting all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram.

“However, these are private things, so only Darwin can clarify why he did that; for sure it’s not the best moment for him, but I’d never link social media activities with transfer market movements.

“It’s all quiet so far, nothing is happening and for sure Darwin is looking forward to speaking to new coach Arne Slot.”