Liverpool due to make first Darwin Nunez bonus payment after big Rangers win

Liverpool are due to make their first bonus payment to Benfica as part of the massive Darwin Nunez transfer.

Nunez signed for Liverpool in the summer in a deal that could rise to a club-record £85 million.

The striker had a slow start to his Liverpool career and was sent off against Crystal Palace in just the second Premier League game of the season.

But the 23-year-old has shown a glimpse of his potential, having scored against Arsenal and Rangers in the Champions League.

Nunez started his side's 7-1 drubbing of Rangers and scored their third goal of the game after tucking the ball into the bottom corner.

Image: Alamy

And his start at Ibrox triggered a bonus payment, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

They claim that only £65 million of the £85 million fee was paid up-front.

The rest of the transfer fee will come through a variety of performance and team-related bonuses.

And the first bonus was activated on Wednesday following his start against Rangers.

Liverpool owe Benfica £4 million as a result of Nunez registering his 10th appearance for the club since his summer switch.

A further payment of £8.5 million will also be triggered when Nunez reaches 60 appearances for Liverpool.

Image: Alamy

Nunez is starting to turn a corner, having received criticism for his performances.

But Michael Owen doesn't think he has done 'anything wrong' amid fans and critics doubting him.

He said: "A lot of people are writing him off or saying, 'oh, I'm not sure about Liverpool's new signing'.

"I don't think he's done anything wrong for Liverpool so far, he scored against Arsenal, he played fine against Rangers - a lot of chances.

"We talk about time, [Roberto] Firmino's had plenty, cool in front of goal. He scored against Arsenal, we know all about him, just a touch of class."

Nunez will look to score in his third consecutive game when Liverpool resume their league campaign on Sunday against Manchester City.