Darwin Núñez Transfers to Al Hilal
Darwin Núñez has officially departed from Liverpool FC, finalizing his move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The 26-year-old striker from Uruguay has transferred for a reported fee of €53 million (approximately $62 million). The announcement came directly from Liverpool, stating:
“Liverpool FC can confirm Darwin Núñez has completed a permanent transfer to Al-Hilal, subject to international clearance.”
Núñez’s Tenure at Liverpool
Núñez’s tenure at Anfield spanned three years, beginning when he joined from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial amount of £64 million. Throughout his time with the club, he netted 40 goals across 143 matches, although his role diminished during the last Premier League season, where he started only eight matches as Liverpool clinched the title.
Transfer Interest and Market Activity
Before his recent transfer, Núñez attracted the interest of another Saudi club, Al Nassr, last January, but Liverpool turned down a £60 million offer, unwilling to part with him mid-season. Discussions continued this summer, with Napoli making a move for Núñez that Liverpool also rejected based on their valuation and the payment structure proposed – which would have spread payments over five years, with funds not expected until the summer of 2026.
Impact on Liverpool’s Squad
Despite a challenging recent form, Núñez’s exit has generated nearly £200 million for Liverpool this summer, contributing to a reshaping of their squad. This transfer paves the way for new signings, with the club already welcoming Hugo Ekitike as part of an extensive investment of nearly £300 million in player acquisitions.
Future Prospects
Liverpool is still in the market for reinforcements, with reports indicating interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak following a previously rejected £110 million offer. The ongoing changes at Anfield suggest an active summer ahead as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the first match against Aston Villa on the horizon.
