Liverpool have confirmed that striker Darwin Nunez has left for Al-Hilal on a permanent deal.
The Uruguay international agreed his exit from the Reds to the Saudi Pro League earlier this week, as he draws the curtain on a mixed three-year spell at Anfield.
Liverpool agreed to potentially make Nunez their most expensive signing back in the summer of 2022, paying Benfica an initial £64m rising to £85m in add-ons for the former Penarol starlet following his breakthrough in Europe.
However, Nunez was hit-and-miss throughout his three seasons on Merseyside, and he fell out of favour under Arne Slot last season, where Luis Diaz was often utilised as a centre-forward instead.
In spite of the Colombian's move to Bayern Munich and Diogo Jota's tragic death, the arrival of Hugo Ekitike and potential signing of Alexander Isak means that Nunez would have been surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Liverpool highlight "vital" Nunez moment as Al-Hilal transfer confirmed
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— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 9, 2025
As a result, the Uruguayan will instead continue his career in Saudi Arabia, and in a club statement, Liverpool highlighted his "historic" double against Brentford earlier in 2024-25, which proved critical in the Premier League title race.
"Liverpool FC can confirm Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent transfer to Al-Hilal, subject to international clearance," the Reds said. "The Uruguayan's three-year spell with the Reds concludes after he finalised a switch to the Saudi Pro League side today.
"The 2024-25 term turned out to be his final one with the Reds, and he would complete his career on Merseyside by hoisting the Premier League trophy aloft.
"Nunez's pair of stoppage-time finishes to snatch victory away at Brentford in January was an undoubted vital moment and highlight of the historic season. Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future."
Nunez bids farewell to Liverpool having amassed 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 games for the club, and the 26-year-old will link up with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal.
Nunez Liverpool exit confirmed: Will Isak replace him?
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak pictured on May 25, 2025
Now that Nunez has been confirmed as an Al-Hilal player, there is room for a certain Swedish sensation to make the move to Anfield, and there have been a couple of major Isak twists in the past 24 hours.
It has been reported that Newcastle's owners are refusing to sanction his exit under any circumstances, leaving Isak furious, and the Sweden international has been ordered to train away from the squad while he cannot accept the decision with 'good grace'.
However, when inevitably asked by the media about the reports, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe denied knowledge of them, saying: "No, that’s not something I'm aware of. I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that. I want players who really want to play for this club."
While Newcastle's hierarchy are supposedly defiant in their stance that Isak will not leave, the forward is also defiant in his stance that he wants Liverpool and only Liverpool before the summer transfer window closes.
This saga could yet get ugly as the clock ticks down, but now that Nunez is out of the door, do not be surprised to see Liverpool reignite their interest in a Premier League record deal for Isak.
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