Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed growing speculation that Darwin Nunez could be on his way to Manchester United this summer — and his comments have only intensified the buzz around a possible blockbuster move.

“He’s still our player, and we value him a lot,” Slot told reporters when asked about rumors linking the Uruguayan forward to Old Trafford. “But in football, anything can happen, especially during the transfer window. I can’t rule anything out.”

Slot’s remarks come amid reports that Manchester United are seriously monitoring Nunez’s situation, as his future at Anfield appears increasingly uncertain. Though once hailed as a marquee signing, Nunez has found himself slipping down the pecking order, and his limited appearances in 2025 have only fueled speculation of a summer exit.

As previously reported, Slot faces a financial dilemma: if he starts Nunez in just one more Premier League game this season, Liverpool will be required to pay Benfica an additional £4.3 million under the terms of his contract. That payment would make Nunez the most expensive player in Liverpool’s history — overtaking Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million record fee.

Despite being absent from the squad in crucial recent matches against West Ham and Leicester, Slot denied that the omission was driven by a falling-out or contract clause.

“Darwin wasn’t dropped because of any problems inside the team,” he said. “He didn’t feel right the day before the game. He tried, but couldn’t continue. That’s all.”

Yet, the tactical reality appears stark. Slot now seems to be favoring Luis Diaz as a central striker, supported by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, with Diogo Jota often coming off the bench. Even in moments when Liverpool were desperate for a goal — like in the 0-0 draw against Leicester — Slot chose to introduce defensive reinforcements instead of bringing Nunez on.

“We needed more control in midfield, not just another forward,” Slot explained. “When Trent [Alexander-Arnold] came in, he gave us exactly what we were looking for.”

The financial, tactical, and now transfer-market implications are all converging at a critical moment. Slot now finds himself at the center of a delicate situation, where every decision about Nunez could impact the club’s title chase, budget, and summer plans.

“It’s not just about money, and it’s not just about form,” Slot concluded. “It’s about what’s best for the team, both now and in the future. We’ll see what happens.”