Bayer Leverkusen star hits out at unfair Liverpool transfer criticism – ‘I just don’t understand’
Darwin Nunez was a divisive figure for many Liverpool fans after failing to reach the heights many expected of him when he arrived at Anfield from Benfica in 2022
Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
16:23, 25 Oct 2025
Alejandro Grimaldo, pictured alongside Florian Wirtz, has been speaking about Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool(Image: (Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images))
Bayer Leverkusen defender Alex Grimaldo has admitted he does not understand criticism of Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool. The forward was sold to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal during a busy summer transfer window, during which the Reds earned more than £250million for players deemed surplus to requirements.
The sale of Nunez helped fund a record £455m spending spree, as Liverpool brought in high-profile signings: Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Reds fans were eager for the Uruguayan to thrive at the club, and the striker penned an emotional goodbye after learning he was on his way out.
While Nunez did win over the fans with his hard work and character, his record on Merseyside suggests his transfer was a rare misstep in Fenway Sports Group’s otherwise impressive recruitment record.
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Nearly £80m was spent on the Benfica star when considering add-ons, but for many, he remains a cherished figure at Anfield.
The attacker has scored four goals in seven appearances for Al-Hilal so far, with his side currently third in the Saudi Pro League table after six matches.
And Grimaldo, who played with Nunez at Benfica, has defended his former team mate – sharing his belief that the 26-year-old should have been perfect for English football’s top-flight.
“I thought that when he went to Liverpool, he was perfect for the Premier League, the type of player, and for Liverpool above all,” he told After de Post United, via El Universo.
Darwin Nunez has been making headlines in Saudi Arabia(Image: Abdullah Ahmed, Getty Images)
“He was a very fast, very powerful striker, with a lot of goals, a good shot. I think he’s scored a lot of goals, he’s played… I just don’t understand the criticism.
“It always happens that when there’s a very high price, they demand double or triple, and it’s not the player’s fault, because the player has nothing to do with the price. It’s between clubs.
“So, in the end, you go to a team like Liverpool, there’s pressure, they demand a lot of you. There’s always criticism, but I think he’s scored a lot of goals and assists for Liverpool anyway.”
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