Darwin Núñez’s time at Liverpool is reportedly nearing its end. New reports suggest the club is open to selling the Uruguayan striker, with negotiations already progressing well with Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Disappointing Season Prompts Rethink
According to respected journalist Santi Aouna, Núñez and his representatives are in active discussions with Al-Hilal. This follows a disappointing 2024–25 campaign for the 25-year-old forward. He managed just seven goals and seven assists across 46 appearances.
Núñez arrived from Benfica in 2022 in a huge £85 million deal, but his performances have lacked consistency. Under new manager Arne Slot, he started only one Premier League match in the second half of the season, even as the team stormed to the league title. This limited role has only fueled speculation about his future.
Al-Hilal Make Their Move
Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal have now reignited their interest in Núñez. They turned their attention to the Liverpool striker after an unsuccessful attempt to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Aouna reports that Al-Hilal views Núñez as a top candidate to lead their attack.
The Saudi club first held conversations with Núñez’s camp in January. At that time, they were reportedly prepared to offer a weekly salary over £550,000. Liverpool chose not to engage then due to their focus on competing for multiple trophies. With the season now over, the club’s position has changed. Al-Hilal are believed to be in a strong position to meet Liverpool’s asking price and the player’s personal demands, making a transfer seem increasingly likely.
Our Take: A Move That Suits All Parties
This transfer appears to be a pragmatic solution for everyone involved. For Liverpool, it represents a chance to move on from an expensive asset who never quite fit, and to recoup a significant transfer fee that can be reinvested elsewhere. For Núñez, it’s an opportunity to reset his career away from the intense pressure and scrutiny of the Premier League, all while securing a life-changing contract. And for Al-Hilal, they get the star striker they’ve been searching for after missing out on Osimhen. Sometimes, a clean break is the best outcome.
The £85 Million Question
When Liverpool spent £85 million on Núñez, he was meant to be the future of their attack. Now, his potential departure marks the end of a costly experiment. The key question for Liverpool’s recruitment team is how much of that initial fee they can recover. A substantial offer from Al-Hilal could turn a sporting disappointment into a reasonable financial outcome. This would allow the club to draw a line under the affair and pursue a forward who is a better fit for Arne Slot’s tactical vision.
What to Watch For
- The Official Fee: How close will Al-Hilal’s final offer get to the original £85 million Liverpool paid?
- The Replacement Plan: A Núñez sale would surely accelerate Liverpool’s search for a new striker. Watch for other transfer rumors to intensify as soon as this deal is completed.
- The Fan Reaction: How will the Anfield faithful react to the departure of a player who, despite his flaws, was a popular and energetic figure?
Down below you can see the official tweet from @AnfieldSector:
