Al-Hilal’s chief executive has insisted the Saudi Pro League side will be targeting the “biggest players” - although he insists it will not be held to ransom amid links with Darwin Nunez.
The Uruguayan looks likely to be on the move this summer after three years at Anfield during which time he hasn’t been able to live up to the high expectations that followed his big-money transfer from Benfica.
Al-Hilal are among the clubs being touted as a possible destination, with the Saudi club having made an approach earlier this month. Napoli and Atletico Madrid have also been linked amid suggestions Nunez would prefer to stay in Europe.
Liverpool is of course no stranger to interest from Saudi Arabia. Mohamed Salah has long been a target for the Gulf state, while Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino have all made the move there from Anfield in recent years.
Nunez could follow in their footsteps as Liverpool looks to recoup some money after going big on Florian Wirtz, although Al-Hilal chief Esteve Calzada has insisted his club still has its limits, despite the Saudi Pro League’s reputation for offering players astronomical salaries.
"We are targeting the biggest players,” Calzada told BBC Sport. “We are very ambitious, but we need to see hunger from the player himself and the transaction needs to work out both ways.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates with the Premier League trophy trophy, as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League)
Darwin Nunez looks likely to leave Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty Images)
"The only thing we've been trying to remind players and agents is that yes, we are from Saudi, but we don't print notes here!
“My role as CEO is to make sure we run the club efficiently, so that we can have the biggest budget possible to have big players, but not at any cost.
“That's why sometimes we basically walk away from negotiations, because we still want players extremely keen on coming, and not only looking for the money."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
Al-Hilal is currently involved in the Club World Cup in the US, with its first game pitting it against Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid on Wednesday.
As such, Calzada has suggested the club’s transfer activity will be paused until after the tournament, meaning Liverpool might have to wait before a move for Nunez can be organized.
“We've been trying to see if we can reinforce the team,” Calzada said. “But some players were with a mindset of 'holidays already', some players were sometimes just asking for too much money, and we're aware that our team is extremely competitive.
“We'll go into the traditional transfer window after the tournament still with the biggest ambitions to see if we can reinforce the team even more.”