Darwin Nunez appeared to bid farewell to the Anfield crowd after Liverpool’s 4-1 friendly win over Athletic Club, amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Nunez is attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, namely Al-Hilal, as well as Serie A side AC Milan as he nears an exit this summer.
This Is Anfield understands that Liverpool are yet to receive any formal bids for their No. 9 but are aware of those sides weighing up a deal.
With the wheels seemingly into motion for Newcastle to sell Alexander Isak, it is widely expected that Nunez will now leave after three years on Merseyside.
The Uruguayan started and scored in Liverpool’s first of two friendlies against Athletic Club on Monday night at Anfield, and his celebration and gestures to the fans after being substituted fuelled the belief that he will soon depart.
After making it 2-0 with an instinctive finish in the fifth minute, Nunez patted the LFC badge as he celebrated in front of the Kop.
Then when replaced by Lewis Koumas with 80 minutes on the clock – perhaps tellingly brought off on his own, rather than as part of a mass change – the 26-year-old looked emotional as he applauded the Anfield crowd.
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— Darwin Núñez (@Darwinn99) August 4, 2025
Nunez later shared a number of photos on X along with a simple caption of a love heart emoji, which has been interpreted as an early farewell to the fans who have always backed him in the stadium.
Arne Slot has already made his position on the starting spot up front clear following the £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitike.
The Frenchman started the first game in which he was available against Yokohama F. Marinos before taking his place in a first-choice lineup for the second of Monday’s two friendlies.
Nunez, meanwhile, led the line in a side largely comprised of squad players and youngsters, signalling his drop down the pecking order.
Alexander Isak 2024 (Richard Sellers/PA)
Liverpool continue to pursue Newcastle striker Isak ahead of what would be another British record transfer for the summer.
With Newcastle making progress in their efforts to sign a replacement, after new £78.2 million offer for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko reported by Sky Germany, the Reds are likely to return with an improved bid for the Swede.
Any movement over Isak would force Nunez further out of contention, and with a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia in the works his departure seems a foregone conclusion.
One final goal at Anfield may have been the ideal way to sign off – as though he has struggled to live up to his £85 million price tag, Nunez will still leave Liverpool having played an important role in winning the Premier League.