Darwin Nunez is yet to advance in a deal to leave Liverpool despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Italy, with the striker exploring his options.
Nunez could find himself surplus to requirements at Liverpool this month after the £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitike and ongoing interest in Alexander Isak.
If the champions follow up with a second bid for Isak, who returned to Newcastle‘s training ground on Monday ahead of talks over his future, Nunez’s situation will be clear.
This Is Anfield understands Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are considering a deal for the Uruguayan this month.
Nunez also has interest from AC Milan, who have seen Serbian striker Luka Jovic leave on a free transfer, while there are suggestions of other suitors from Saudi Arabia.
However, while Liverpool are aware of interest in their No. 9 there have been no official bids received at this stage.
PRESTON, ENGLAND - Sunday, July 13, 2025: Liverpool's Darwin Núñez celebrates after scoring the second goal during a pre-season friendly match between Preston North End FC and Liverpool FC at Deepdale. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Barring any late issues he will be involved in Monday night’s warmup friendlies against Athletic Club at Anfield and will likely start as part of a rotated XI in either the 5pm or 8pm kickoff.
Liverpool will again be without Alisson for the two back-to-back games, with the goalkeeper not yet available having left the pre-season camp in Japan to attend to a personal matter in Brazil.
Alisson was subsequently pictured with his wife, Natalia, who underwent surgery last week and told her Instagram followers: “Now I’m recovering at home.
“Thank God, to the wonderful team that served me and all the love I received, everything is progressing well.”
PRESTON, ENGLAND - Sunday, July 13, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot look applaud the Liverpool fans after a pre-season friendly match between Preston North End FC and Liverpool FC at Deepdale. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Arne Slot is set to call upon a strong squad despite the absence of his No. 1 and injury to Joe Gomez, while his ranks will be bolstered by a number of call-ups from the academy.
This Is Anfield has learned that young forwards Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty will be among those to join the first-team squad.
Slot is likely to field as close to his strongest XI for one of the two kickoffs in preparation for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Ekitike is expected to start over Nunez in the first-choice lineup while Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue to fill in for Alisson.
How you can watch Liverpool vs. Athletic Club
Anfield, matchday general, pitch, The Kop (Photo by Ryan Browne/Propaganda)
You can tune in to see the 5pm and 8pm starts of Liverpool vs. Athletic Club live around the world via LFCTV, which is available on All Red video here.
If you’re otherwise occupied on Monday and want to keep up to date on the happenings at Anfield, This Is Anfield’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 4.30pm (BST) and then 7.30pm.
You can also catch all the post-match reaction and analysis on TIA throughout the evening and into Tuesday.