Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, a move that could pave the way for the Premier League champions to launch a fresh bid for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
Nunez signed for Liverpool three years ago from Benfica for an initial fee of €75 million ($87 million/£65 million), but has struggled to consistently meet expectations and justify his hefty price tag.
The Uruguayan striker has netted 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool but has gradually fallen down the pecking order at Anfield under both former manager Jürgen Klopp and current boss Arne Slot.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly closing in on a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that the deal will be worth an initial €53 million for the 26-year-old Uruguayan.
Nunez, who scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds, has fallen out of favor under both Jürgen Klopp and new manager Arne Slot. His playing time was expected to decrease further following Liverpool’s €300 million summer spending spree, which brought in Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
The sale of Nunez would boost Liverpool’s transfer income this summer to nearly €200 million, following the exits of Luis Díaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tyler Morton. Midfielder Harvey Elliott is also attracting interest, with RB Leipzig reportedly preparing a move, though Liverpool are said to be demanding at least €45 million for the England international.
With Nunez’s departure, Liverpool are now expected to reignite their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. However, the Reds may need to break the British transfer record to land the Swedish forward, with Newcastle reportedly valuing him at up to £150 million.
Nunez would become the latest high-profile signing for Al Hilal, who are managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi. The Saudi club’s star-studded squad already features Portuguese internationals Rúben Neves and João Cancelo, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and ex-Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrović. Al Hilal made headlines last season by defeating Manchester City en route to the Club World Cup quarterfinals.
