Liverpool have sold Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, the clubs confirmed on Saturday, in a deal that could pave the way for a renewed push to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Nunez joined Liverpool from Benfica three years ago for an initial €75 million (£65 million) but struggled to consistently justify the hefty price tag, netting 40 goals in 143 appearances. Under both Jurgen Klopp and current manager Arne Slot, the 26-year-old gradually fell down the attacking order.
British media report that Al-Hilal will pay an initial €53 million for the forward, with the player signing a three-year contract. “Al-Hilal Club Company is pleased to announce the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez from Liverpool FC on a three-year contract,” read the Saudi club’s statement.
Nunez’s playing time this season was set to diminish further after Liverpool’s €300 million summer spending spree brought in Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. Still, the Reds could smash the British transfer record by landing Isak, having already seen a £110 million bid rejected, with Newcastle holding out for around £150 million.
The sale of Nunez brings Liverpool’s transfer income this summer close to €200 million following the exits of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tyler Morton.
Nunez now joins an ambitious Al-Hilal side coached by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi. The squad features Portuguese stars Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, and recently stunned Manchester City to reach the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
What You Should Know
Darwin Nunez has completed a €53 million move from Liverpool to Al-Hilal on a three-year deal. His departure could help fund Liverpool’s record-breaking pursuit of Alexander Isak, with Newcastle demanding up to £150 million.
Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, continues to attract high-profile signings as part of their push for global football prominence.
