Topics: Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Liverpool, Premier League, UEFA, Transfers
The transfers of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo to Liverpool would have been impacted by new UEFA rules.
Nunez joined Liverpool last summer from Benfica for an initial fee of £64 milion, which could rise to a club-record £85 million if all add-on clauses are triggered.
The Uruguayan forward initially struggled as he adapted to life in English football, but ended the season with 14 goals as he regularly featured from the left side of attack.
Gakpo, meanwhile, was Liverpool's marquee signing in January, joining the club from PSV Eindhoven.
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The Netherlands international played on the left side of attack initially for the Reds, before filling the centre forward role vacated by Roberto Firmino's injury.
Like Nunez, it was an encouraging first half-season for Gakpo at Liverpool, with the 24-year-old netting seven goals in 21 appearances including a brace in the 7-0 win over Manchester United.
But under new UEFA rules, Liverpool would have had to adjust the terms of both deals if they were to sign the two players this summer.
Gakpo, Nunez deals would have been 'banned' under UEFA rules
Nunez agreed to a six-year contract when he joined Liverpool from Benfica, with Gakpo committing to a five-and-a-half year stay at Anfield.
As per Swiss Ramble, Nunez's deal is subject to player amortisation. That is where the full transfer fee is paid in instalments across the length of a player's contract - a method often utilised by Chelsea when signing players in the past year.
Because the Uruguayan's initial contract lasts for six years, the amortisation will take place over the same period.
The Liverpool Echo, meanwhile, reported that amortisation figures for Gakpo will also be added to the club's accounts for the next accounting period.
New UEFA rules, however, are set to be implemented that prevent such a practice over as long a period of time.
The Athletic report that UEFA are limiting player amortisation to five years - meaning Liverpool would have had to change the terms of the deals to sign both Nunez and Gakpo.
Fortunately, however, the new regulations do not apply to ongoing player amortisations or previous deals completed, and also will not apply to transfers already agreed this summer.
But it will affect Liverpool's plans for similar moves in the future - meaning that new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will need to tread carefully.
