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As Liverpool approaches what could be a historic Premier League title triumph, the club is simultaneously preparing for a transformative summer transfer window, with several high-profile players facing uncertain futures due to limited opportunities under Arne Slot.

One of those is undoubtedly Federico Chiesa, who signed from Juventus for £12.5 million last summer.

The Italian’s arrival sparked excitement given his pedigree as a Euro 2020 winner.

However, the Italian winger has become emblematic of Liverpool’s peripheral figures, making just three Premier League appearances totaling 25 minutes all season.

His last start came in January’s FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle, and he has been an unused substitute in seven consecutive matches.

Meanwhile,  Harvey Elliott has seen his role diminish drastically under Slot?

The 21-year-old has started just four games across all competitions this term, logging 583 minutes compared to 2,786 last season.

His limited involvement contrasts sharply with Slot’s reliance on Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Another one is Darwin Nunez, whose Liverpool career appears all but over.

His last Premier League start came in February, and he has managed just nine goals in 31 appearances this season—a return deemed insufficient for Liverpool’s ambitions.

Slot’s reluctance to use Nunez in critical moments, such as benching him while chasing a winner against Leicester, speaks volumes.

But according to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, it could be for another reason.

They claim that Benfica have received €10 million out of a possible €25 million in bonuses from Nunez’s transfer to Liverpool.

The structure of the deal saw Liverpool pay €5 million after Núñez started 10 matches in the Premier League and Champions League, and another €5 million once he reached 25 starts in those competitions.

There is a further €5 million due if Núñez makes another 25 starts, but he is currently just one start short of triggering this payment.

With only five games left in Liverpool’s season and Núñez not having started since March,  A Bola reports that Benfica fear Liverpool may hold him back from starting to avoid activating the €5 million clause – especially as Núñez looks likely to leave the club this summer.

This situation could allow Liverpool to save on the bonus payment if Núñez is not used as a starter before the end of the season

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