Al-Hilal have reached an agreement with Liverpool to sign 26-year-old Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez in the summer transfer window.
Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool looks set to end, with Al-Hilal closing in on a deal after reaching a verbal agreement with the Reds over a permanent transfer.
According to an update by Fabrizio Romano via X, the Saudi Pro League side have met Liverpool’s valuation. A separate report by the reputed Italian journalist has revealed that the transfer fee will be worth €53 million.
The big-spending Saudi Pro League giants are now in discussions with Nunez over personal terms. While club-to-club talks are complete, the final say rests with the Uruguayan forward, who has yet to decide if he will swap Europe for the Middle East.
Darwin Nunez: From Arne Slot’s fringe to Simone Inzaghi’s priority
Since Arne Slot’s arrival at Anfield, Nunez has slipped down the pecking order, with Cody Gakpo often preferred through the middle. Despite making 47 appearances in all competitions last season, he started just eight Premier League games, scoring only seven goals. Slot has publicly demanded more consistency and efficiency in front of goal, qualities Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi believes he can unlock.
Inzaghi is reportedly pushing hard for the 26-year-old’s arrival, viewing him as a marquee attacking addition. The Saudi side had previously seen Al-Nassr fail with a January bid, while Napoli and AC Milan have also explored moves for Darwin Nunez this summer.
A transfer domino effect on the cards?
For Liverpool, the sale could prove decisive in funding their pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Reds have recently failed with a bid to sign the Newcastle United striker but remain keen on returning with an improved bid. Hugo Ekitike’s recent arrival has already freshened up the forward line, and moving Nunez on would free up both squad space and significant funds.
The Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace this weekend could be Nunez’s last chance to feature in red, though it remains unclear if he will be involved while talks continue. The player’s Liverpool career has been a mix of flashes of brilliance and lingering frustration. His potential departure feels like the right step for all parties: Liverpool gain the financial muscle to go after top targets, and Nunez gets the chance to lead the line elsewhere. Whether that “elsewhere” is in Saudi Arabia or still in Europe will depend on the player’s call in the coming days.