It took just five months of last season for Jamie Carragher to predict Arne Slot would soon move Darwin Nunez on, as the Liverpool legend's suspicions have since been proven spot on
Jamie Carragher speaking on the Its Called Soccer podcast
Jamie Carragher hasn't been convinced by Darwin Nunez's performances at Liverpool
(Image: YOUTUBE )
Darwin Nunez's impending exit from Liverpool was already predicted by Jamie Carragher last season. The striker became the Reds' third-most expensive player ever in 2022 when he joined for a reported fee of £64m plus add-ons.
However, three years on, the Uruguayan has failed to deliver on a consistent basis, leaving Arne Slot willing to listen to offers for his services. He scored just five Premier League goals last season and seven in all competitions on his way to earning his first league title in Europe.
Having already sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich this summer, the Premier League champions appear close to shipping Nunez out. According to The Athletic, Al-Hilal have reached an agreement with Liverpool to sign the striker.
The Saudi Pro League side - who are managed by ex-Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi - are said to have agreed a fee of £46million (€53m) plus add-ons for Nunez, who has indicated willingness to discuss personal terms.
The fee would free up funds to take a second run at Alexander Isak, after their initial bid of £110m was rejected by Newcastle. Many saw last season as Nunez's last chance to establish himself as the club's leading striker, but with just four goals to his name by December, Carragher predicted he wouldn't last much longer on Merseyside.
During an episode of The Overlap, the Liverpool legend told Ian Wright that Nunez's unpredictability is not something top players possess and admitted he didn't think he'd last one more season at the club.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool applauds the fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the first pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club Bilbao
Darwin Nunez looks like he may have played his last game for Liverpool
He said: "We said we don’t know what he is going to do, so how will the defenders? Nobody ever says that about a good player, do they? I’m not sure he will be here next season, I think Liverpool will move him on."
The Arsenal great added: "I never know what is going to happen with Nunez when he goes through. I would’ve thought for that price we would have seen a lot more from him by now. It is not going to be any different to what he is now."
Nunez's shining moment last season came when he netted two late goals to beat Brentford in what was a key victory in Liverpool's charge for the league title. However, he also faced public criticism from Slot who questioned the striker's attitude after missing a sitter in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds on the 20th minute to commemorate Diogo Jota during the second pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Arne Slot remains on the hunt for Alexander Isak
The Dutchman admitted that he wasn't incensed with Nunez missing a chance but rather his lack of work ethic following the opportunity, a criticism he levied at his player twice. "First of all, I helped him by saying you can miss a chance," Slot said. "I wasn't only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn't happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.
"I always try to be honest with my players and be honest as I can to you guys as well where I always try to protect my players so I don't say he never worked hard. I know him differently. I know him at Villa at home where he made a 100 metre sprint and scored a goal.
"I know him when he came on at City at home and was pressing really aggressively and wins the ball back and we score. But I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once but twice was a bit too much. That's why I addressed it."
Should Nunez clinch his move to Saudi Arabia, his absence leaves Slot with only Hugo Ekitike as the club's only natural striker, while the likes of Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa can fill in at the number nine spot.
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