Darwin Nunez to Barca? Benfica boss Jesus refuses to discuss rumours

Benfica head coach Jorge Jesus dismissed speculation linking LaLiga giants Barcelona with Darwin Nunez.

Nunez became Benfica’s most expensive signing when he arrived from Almeria in a €24million deal in September.

The 21-year-old forward opened his account with a hat-trick in the Europa League last month, while the Uruguay international has netted four goals across all competitions.

Barca are reportedly interested in Nunez, who has been tipped by Jesus to surpass Joao Felix as the club’s most expensive sale following the latter’s €126million transfer to Atletico Madrid last year.

Jesus was asked about Nunez and rumoured interest following Benfica’s shock 3-0 Primeira Liga loss to Boavista on Monday.

“There is no point in talking about it, it could just be sports news. I don’t comment, I was more interested in commenting on Benfica’s victory than Darwin,” Jesus said.

3 – SL Benfica have lost a Primeira Liga game by a margin of 3+ goals for the first time since October 2015 (0-3 v Sporting CP); only Boavista FC and Sporting CP have won multiple league games against Benfica by 3+ goals in the 21st century (two each). Chess. #BFCSLB pic.twitter.com/pleSB2xB3F

— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) November 2, 2020

Benfica suffered their first league defeat of the season after succumbing to goals from Angel Gomes, Alberto Elis and Yanis Hamache.

The result left Benfica second and a point adrift of unbeaten leaders Sporting CP through six matches.

Benfica lost a Primeira Liga game by a margin of three-plus goals for the first time since October 2015, per Opta. Only Boavista and Sporting CP have won multiple league fixtures against Benfica by three or more goals in the 21st century.