Darwin Nunez has spent just one season at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal but now faces an uncertain future at the club
Darwin Nunez celebrates
Nunez looks set to leave Al-Hilal this summer (Image: Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has shown his appreciation for Reds legends Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. It comes amid uncertainty over his future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Uruguayan was sold to the Middle Eastern club during a busy summer transfer window last year, one in which the Reds earned more than £250million for players deemed surplus to requirements.
The sale of Nunez helped fund a record £455m spending spree, as Liverpool brought in high-profile signings Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Reds fans were eager for Nunez to thrive on Merseyside, and the striker penned an emotional goodbye after learning he was on the way out.
Nearly £80m was spent on the Benfica star when considering add-ons, but for many, he remains a cherished figure at Anfield. The attacker has scored nine goals in 24 appearances for Al-Hilal so far.
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And the forward clearly still rates his former teammates highly. A video has emerged on X of him being asked by a fan of his thoughts on the Reds.
He said: "For me the best player at the back is Van Dijk." It was then put to Nunez that he was the king of Liverpool, to which he replied: "Mo Salah."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the first pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez scored 40 goals during a three-year-spell with the Reds(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The 27-year-old looks set to leave Saudi Arabia this summer after being left out of Al-Hilal's squad when the team signed Karim Benzema. Saudi clubs can only register eight foreign players, and Nunez was dropped from the roster when Benzema arrived.
Spanish publication Sport report that Nunez has been made available for loan, with La Liga giants Barcelona linked with a move. However, it is said that no formal negotiations have taken place between Barca and the Saudi club.
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The Athletic have previously claimed that talks with Major League Soccer side Atlanta have begun but are not yet advanced.
It is said that the MLS club have the financial power to make such ambitious deals happen. However, the report adds that Atlanta does not currently have an open designated-player roster spot.
That could be changing soon, as an exit is reportedly nearing for club-record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath.
It has also been claimed that four big teams in the Turkish Super Lig - Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, and Trabzonspor - are also interested in a potential deal.