MAC OF THE NET: Darwin Nunez is set to leave Liverpool and join Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia with the Uruguayan having spent an eventful three years at Anfield
07:00, 09 Aug 2025
Chris McKenna
Chris McKenna is the Daily Star's boxing correspondent and an expert voice on the 'sweet science', along with a hugely experienced football reporter, who primarily focuses on Merseyside giants Liverpool and Everton. He has covered world title fights all around the world, Champions League finals, FA Cup finals and Premier League title deciders.
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 at Anfield on August 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England
Darwin Nunez will soon leave Liverpool to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Farewell Darwin Nunez. You will be missed. Certainly by this football writer.
The sight of the often long-haired maverick from Uruguay preparing to come on for Liverpool was a joy to behold on so many occasions. Why? Because you knew, more often than not, he would do something to add something to your copy.
As a neutral sat at Anfield, you always had a sense that either a stunning goal, a shameful miss or a moment of madness was potentially on the way. He’s just that sort of player. He became somewhat of a cult hero among Liverpool fans, who adored his work ethic and the times of pure joy he gave them.
But if he kept playing for them much longer most of the Anfield crowd would end up as bald as Arne Slot. Because my word he would make a diehard Reds fan tear their hair out at times.
There were the late goals against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in 2023-24 and the brace against Brentford last year which was a huge moment in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph. But for every great or timely goal, there were more misses. Like the Chelsea game in 2024 when he hit the woodwork four times, including from the penalty spot.
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez has endured a tricky spell with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Last season alone, he struck the post nine times. So close, yet so far. A slogan of his three years at Liverpool.
His first game at Anfield for Liverpool saw him see red when he stuck his head into Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen.
He arrived with such promise after Kop boss Jurgen Klopp pushed for his signature. It came at a time when the manager had more power than before with transfers but it was certainly one which did not work out. An initial fee of £65m rising to £85m from Benfica, there were huge hopes for him. Although he probably won’t have triggered all those add-ons, it’s still a hefty sum for a player that was nowhere near clinical enough in front of goal.
Darwin Nunez was sent off on his Liverpool Premier League debut(Image: Paul Greenwood/REX/Shutterstock)
It was unfair that he was compared to Erling Haaland as they both arrived in England at the same time when Liverpool and Manchester City were the two juggernauts fighting for titles. Both were at different stages of their development and different types of strikers but Nunez never got to shine to his best.
Nunez scored in the Community Shield that year while Haaland drew a blank. Yet the Uruguayan scored another 39 goals, the Norwegian 124
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At 26, seems to have everything. Athletic, strong, dedicated and with a powerful strike and an eye for a run. Yet he just seemed to too often lack that deadly finish in front of goal.
That ultimately cost him more time in a Liverpool shirt and the time is right for him to move on. Al-Hilal and Saudi Arabia his next destination. They will now get to enjoy the sheer madness of Nunez.