Darwin Nunez Pulled Out Of Uruguay Game After Liverpool And Benfica Agree Transfer

Darwin Nunez was pulled out of the Uruguay squad for Saturday's friendly with Jamaica after Benfica agreed to sell him to Liverpool.

Darwin Nunez was pulled out of the Uruguay squad for Saturday's friendly with Jamaica after Benfica agreed to sell him to Liverpool.

The 22-year-old had played the full 90 minutes six days earlier when Uruguay drew 0-0 with the USA in Kansas.

But a late decision was made for him not to feature against Jamaica after Liverpool's offer of €80 million, plus a potential extra €20m in add-ons, was accepted by Benfica.

Nunez had already agreed a contract with Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He is expected to sign that five-year deal at Anfield later this week.

Liverpool are now closing on Darwin Núñez deal, here we go! Meeting in the morning with verbal agreement in place between Liverpool & Benfica, just waiting to sign. €80m plus €20m add ons fee. 🚨🔴🇺🇾 #LFC

Liverpool are preparing paperworks. Five year contract, already agreed. pic.twitter.com/znzD7DyU8P

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022

More on Darwin Núñez deal. Meeting today morning confirmed, took place in Portugal - Liverpool reached full verbal agreement with Benfica & agents too. 🇺🇾🤝 #LFC

Only medical now pending, to be scheduled next week - once deal is signed. Darwin could fly to England on Monday. pic.twitter.com/lqYr54Mqex

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022

Uruguay confirm that Darwin Núñez has been left out of the team for tonight game. No risk as he’s set to complete his move to Liverpool in the next days. 🚨🇺🇾 #LFC

Darwin and his agents are planning for travel to England after verbal agreement between Liverpool and Benfica.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022

Darwin Nunez pictured during Uruguay's 0-0 draw with the USA :: IMAGO/Icon SMI

But as the transfer has not yet been officially sealed, the caution around Nunez that led to him not facing Jamaica is understandable.

Had he played and got injured, his potentially career-defining move could have been called off.

And it was not a big deal for Uruguay to let Nunez sit the game out. His absence gave Edinson Cavani the opportunity to get 76 minutes under his belt.

Cavani responded by scoring twice as Uruguay thrashed Jamaica 5-0 in Montevideo. Nicolas De La Cruz, Maxi Gomez and Diego Rossi also got on the scoresheet.