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Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool career appears to be approaching its natural conclusion, with fresh reports confirming that the club is actively exploring a summer sale. As reported by reliable journalist Santi Aouna, the Uruguayan striker and his representatives are currently in discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with a deal now looking more likely than ever.
🚨🔵🇪🇸 #SPL |
🔐⏳️ Understand Al-Hilal have very positive talks with Angeliño camp and Roma. They are confident to seal the deal.
🩺 Al-Hilal want to book travel and medical for the Spain left back of AS Roma soon
✅️ For the #9, talks ongoing with Gyökeres and Darwin Núñez… pic.twitter.com/AJukyKbORq
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) June 9, 2025
Nunez, 25, joined Liverpool in 2022 for a record-breaking £85 million fee from Benfica. Big things were expected of the explosive forward, but after three inconsistent seasons and a particularly underwhelming 2024–25 campaign, Liverpool’s hierarchy seems ready to move on.
His output this season—seven goals and seven assists in 46 appearances—has been seen as far from the level needed to lead the line at a Premier League-winning club. The writing appeared to be on the wall when Nunez made just one Premier League start in 2025, despite Liverpool lifting the title under new manager Arne Slot.
Photo: IMAGO
Saudi Interest Heating Up
Al-Hilal’s renewed pursuit of Nunez follows their failed attempt to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. According to Aouna, the Saudi giants see Nunez as a prime target to reinforce their attacking options. Discussions are currently ongoing between the player’s camp and Al-Hilal, whose interest is anything but superficial.
Aouna revealed that Al-Hilal were prepared to offer £558,000 per week to Nunez during initial talks in January. Back then, Liverpool declined to engage, as they were still fighting across four competitions. But with the season now concluded, “that stance has shifted.”
Al-Hilal are well-positioned to meet Liverpool’s asking price and also match the forward’s wage expectations. This deal would provide Nunez with both a fresh start and the kind of financial package that would make any professional take notice.
Atletico Madrid and Europe’s Options
While Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Nunez, there are doubts over whether they would be willing to match Liverpool’s valuation or his wage demands. Given the current financial realities in La Liga, a move to the Middle East appears more viable at this stage.
Liverpool are believed to be open to bids in the region of £40–60 million, a range that could be acceptable to Al-Hilal, especially given Nunez’s age and untapped potential. Though a financial loss on the initial fee is inevitable, this range would still represent a reasonable return in today’s market.
Photo: IMAGO
What Next for Liverpool?
For Liverpool, moving on from Nunez represents an opportunity to reshape their forward line to better suit Arne Slot’s tactical blueprint. The Dutchman has already proven he can build a Premier League-winning side without relying heavily on the Uruguayan, so reinvestment of funds from this potential deal may be directed towards more system-compatible options.
With players like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah still in the fold, Liverpool’s attack remains strong, and further reinforcements are likely to be targeted in the window.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the likely departure of Darwin Nunez is bittersweet. There’s no denying the raw potential he displayed at times—his pace, work rate and physicality often caused problems for defenders. But in the cold reality of modern football, stats and impact matter. Seven goals and seven assists in 46 games just doesn’t cut it for a striker leading the line at a club aiming for both domestic and European honours.
Many supporters had hoped that Nunez would come good with more time and the right coaching. But Slot’s instant success and tactical evolution seem to have passed him by. His limited minutes in 2025 weren’t down to injury, but preference. That’s telling.
Selling Nunez now, while he still holds value in a hot market like Saudi Arabia, might be wise. The key, though, is reinvestment. Liverpool fans will want to see those funds used smartly, potentially on a more clinical and tactically intelligent forward who aligns with Slot’s vision.
There’s a lingering regret that Nunez never quite fulfilled his promise at Anfield, but this isn’t the first time a big signing hasn’t worked out. Supporters will wish him well—but only if his departure leads to continued progress on the pitch.
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