The countdown is on ahead of the new Premier League season as Liverpool play their final friendly of the summer.
It has been a strange and at times devastating period for the Reds, with the fact that Diogo Jota is no longer with us still difficult to bear.
But Liverpool have carried themselves with grace and class during such an unprecedented time, treating matters delicately while still ensuring that they are in the best shape possible for the new campaign.
This impeccable behaviour also extends to the Liverpool squad, who have been a credit to themselves, and to Jota.
Darwin Nunez has stood out in this respect. The Uruguayan honoured Jota by performing his trademark celebrations after scoring against Preston in July, and despite constant transfer speculation surrounding him, Nunez has got on with his job.
Even as talks over a potential move to Al Hilal have intensified, the 26-year-old has shown excellent professionalism.
Darwin Nunez warms up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Darwin Nunez ‘training as normal’ despite Al Hilal talks
Liverpool are trying to sign Alexander Isak this summer, that is no secret. The Newcastle man has put himself in the spotlight by staying away from his team’s pre-season tour and training alone at Real Sociedad.
Given it has been clear for some time that Nunez’s time with Liverpool is over, the Uruguay international could perhaps have been forgiven for taking a similar stance.
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Al-Hilal are pursuing Darwin Nunez, as revealed last month.
Hilal waited to formally approach Nunez until after the Club World Cup in a move driven by Simone Inzaghi.
Al-Ahli never in the race, despite reports.
Hilal focused on trying to agree terms with Nunez before bidding… pic.twitter.com/Ame95WCT9a
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 3, 2025
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But as journalist Ben Jacobs has pointed out, Nunez is ‘training as normal’ ahead of Monday’s fixture with Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
“Al-Hilal are pursuing Darwin Nunez, as revealed last month,” Jacobs posted on X. “Hilal waited to formally approach Nunez until after the Club World Cup in a move driven by Simone Inzaghi. Al-Ahli never in the race, despite reports.”
READ MORE: Liverpool misfit Darwin Nunez told he could be a big success under Eddie Howe at Newcastle
“Hilal focused on trying to agree terms with Nunez before bidding to Liverpool,” adds the reporter. “€70m [£61m] asking price, same fee as Al-Nassr bid in January. Some flexibility possible with the right payment terms.
“Nunez has been training as normal ahead of Liverpool’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Monday.”
Will Nunez play against Athletic?
Nunez has often appeared calmer and more focused when he has been seen in pre-season this summer. Perhaps safe in the knowledge that he is leaving, he has been able to enjoy his last weeks with Liverpool.
As with Luis Diaz against AC Milan last month, it will likely become clear how close Nunez’s move to Al Hilal is if he is involved or not against Athletic on Monday.
It appears that the Saudi club are not quite ready to make an offer just yet, in which case we may see Nunez play for Liverpool.
But if the No. 9 does not get on the pitch or is omitted from the squad, the transfer may have moved closer.
Nunez will always be a polarising figure at Liverpool, but he deserves credit for how he has handled himself in the months leading up to his exit.