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Liverpool are set to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday as they look to strengthen their bid for Champions League qualification, though several off-pitch developments have also dominated the build-up.
Arne Slot has been unable to defend the Premier League title he won in his first season, with a top-four or top-five finish offering some consolation as things stand. Liverpool are fourth in the table with 58 points.
However, a top-five finish is far from secured, with three games remaining against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford. Bournemouth, Brighton and Villa remain within striking distance and could overtake the Reds if results go against them.
Off the pitch, Darwin Nunez has reportedly agreed to leave Al-Hilal just months after joining the Saudi Pro League side. The Uruguayan striker, who left Liverpool last summer for around £46m after a mixed spell at Anfield, has struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia.
Despite a strong start, he was later deregistered from Al-Hilal’s squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival in January as the club managed foreign player restrictions. He has not featured since February.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that the situation between Darwin Nunez and Al Hilal is complicated, but the striker could leave this summer.
Romano adds that European clubs, as well as other Saudi Pro League sides, are monitoring the situation and could move for the forward if an exit becomes possible.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “The situation between Darwin Nunez and Al Hilal is complicated. Darwin was left out of the squad for the Saudi Pro League, only playing in the Asian Champions Cup, but not playing in the Saudi Pro League since Karim Benzema joined the club on deadline day in January.
“And so obviously that’s a big, big impact for Darwin Nunez, who wants to play obviously on a regular basis. For Darwin, there are opportunities in the summer.
“So there is a serious chance to see Darwin Nunez leaving Al Hilal in the summer transfer window. But at the moment still not clear on which terms a loan, a permanent deal, or free.
“It’s important to understand what they decide to do, and at the moment, the terms are not public yet about what they really want to do with Darwin yet.
“I think after the final verdict on the Saudi Pro league, Al Hilal will clarify the situation of Darwin, but there is a chance for sure for him to leave Al Hilal.
“There are European clubs and also other Saudi clubs interested in Darwin. So we have to understand if Saudi clubs will offer a new opportunity and Darwin can begin, or if European clubs can consider a comeback of Darwin, but obviously on different terms and on a different salary.”
While a return to Liverpool is not currently on the table, some Premier League clubs have shown interest in Nunez due to his situation. Chelsea are among the sides reportedly monitoring his availability.
However, they could also face stiff competition from Juventus in Serie A, who may be preparing for a future without Dušan Vlahović.