Latest Liverpool transfer news with an update on Darwin Nunez who is subject to interest from a number of clubs in the transfer window
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia
(Image: Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future is uncertain and he could leave Anfield this summer. Despite winning the Premier League, the 25-year-old endured a difficult season.
In fact, Nunez started just nine top-flight matches and ended the campaign on seven goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. It's the lowest total Nunez has managed in the three years he has been at the Reds, having scored 18 in 2023/24 and 15 in his first season.
As Arne Slot is keen to strengthen his Liverpool front line, Nunez could be sacrificed to raise funds. The former Benfica man is still considered as a prized asset, having signed for £85.3million in June 2022. While the Reds might make a loss, they want at least £70m to sanction his exit this summer.
With this in mind, the ECHO takes a look at the latest surrounding Nunez's future...
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Al-Hilal contact
Al-Hilal contacted Liverpool about Darwin Nunez on Monday and the Saudi Pro League team were made aware about the conditions of a potential move, according to The Athletic.
Liverpool rejected a proposal worth £59m from Al-Nassr for Nunez in January and it's thought that the Reds want more to accept his exit this summer. Nunez, meanwhile, is believed to be in favour of remaining in Europe, with a move to Spain and Italy his top priorities, at this stage.
Atletico Madrid are among those considering a move for Nunez, with Diego Simeone keen on strengthening his forward line after finishing third in La Liga this season.
Napoli loan deal
Napoli have held talks with Nunez's representatives as they search for a new No.9 this summer, according to reports. Antonio Conte's side are in the market for a centre forward in an attempt to add more firepower ahead of their return to the Champions League.
While Liverpool would be more open to a permanent move, Napoli are said to be prioritising a loan deal for Nunez. He has three years left on his contract at Liverpool and the Serie A side would be willing to pay a high portion of his wages, reported to be in the region of £140,00 per week.
Arne Slot comments
It was claimed towards the end of last season in the Portuguese media that Liverpool were limiting the striker’s appearances to avoid paying an add-on to Benfica.
But Slot hit back at those claims by stating that he’s never been told not to play someone at Liverpool down to financial reasons.
He said: “Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither.
“Sometimes you should, but sometimes it’s better not to believe everything that is written about players. This is completely new to me and I’ve said many times that I’m working at a club here where it’s really nice to work.
“So mainly sporting directors are judged by the players they bring in, for me it’s very important to have a great working environment and I have that with Richard [Hughes].
"The last, last, last, last, last thing he would do, as I expect working with him for 10 months, is tell me: ‘If you play him, it would cost us this much’.
“That, he would never, never, never do. I don’t even know if it’s true, yes or no, because we never talk about that.
"He never interferes with a lineup. It might be true, but if a journalist says it, we have to..... (take it with a pinch of salt?).”