Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez and his representatives have scheduled further talks with Al-Hilal over the coming days, the latest report has claimed.
The Reds will play their final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao on Monday prior to the onset of the 2025-26 campaign, and Anfield is set to welcome a number of new faces.
Signings such as Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz are all expected to make their home debuts, but despite the Merseysiders significantly strengthening their squad, they could conduct further business.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is thought to be a key target this window, though the Toon are seeking a replacement before sanctioning a move.
Should Isak arrive at Anfield, Liverpool may have to sell some of their stars in order to accommodate him in the XI, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Nunez's camp has held talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who have the forward high on their list of targets.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool after missing his penalty against Paris Saint-Germain, on March 11, 2025
Why a Nunez summer exit from Liverpool makes sense
Nunez was brought to Anfield from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for a fee that could rise to £85m, but he has struggled to live up to expectations under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
The Uruguayan is a more traditional striker but was signed to replace Roberto Firmino, who found success operating as a false nine, making the transition from the latter difficult for the rest of the team.
Current manager Slot at times utilised Luis Diaz as a false nine last season, and the Dutch boss has emphasised the importance of having his striker facilitate play for wingers such as Mohamed Salah.
Nunez is at his best when positioned on the last line, and he does not excel in deeper areas of the pitch, making his long-term fit at Liverpool questionable.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool on January 31, 2025
Do Liverpool have enough forwards at the club?
Should Nunez leave the club this summer, there is an argument that Slot will still need to bring in another forward even is Isak is signed from Newcastle.
Ekitike was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt, and would likely compete with Isak for a starting spot up front, while Salah and Cody Gakpo would be expected to start on the right and left of attack respectively.
Federico Chiesa is able to operate across the frontline, but he has been strongly linked with a move back to Italy, and that would leave Slot with just four options for three positions.
Wirtz has experience on the left flank, but taking him away from his favoured number 10 role could limit his impact in the final third.
Liverpool will have ambitions of competing for both the Premier League and Champions League next term, so ensuring that Slot has enough in attack will be crucial to their success next season.
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