Saudi Club Wants to Sign £85m Liverpool Star Ahead of Club World Cup – Report | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez Transfer Rumours Intensify Amid Saudi Interest – What Next for Liverpool’s No. 9?

Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool future appears to be hanging by a thread, with Saudi giants Al-Hilal reportedly plotting a summer swoop. As per The Daily Mail, the Pro League outfit want to secure the Uruguayan striker “on June 1 – the first day of the transfer window – in order to have him available for the Club World Cup.”

With Liverpool having shelled out £85 million for Nunez in 2022, the potential departure would mark a pivotal decision in Arne Slot’s evolving project. The 25-year-old forward has found consistent form elusive, netting just seven goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season. Crucially, he’s scored only one goal in his last 19 appearances, a stat that reflects his slide down the attacking pecking order under Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Reduced Role Under Slot Signals Change in Direction

Since the arrival of Arne Slot last summer, the striker’s prominence has noticeably diminished. Nunez has started “just eight games in the Premier League this season and only one in 2025”, indicating a clear shift in Liverpool’s attacking preferences. With the likes of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz trusted in more decisive moments, it’s evident that the manager has begun shaping the side around more clinical and tactically flexible players.

It’s worth noting that “when clubs came knocking for Nunez in January, Slot was hesitant to see his squad break apart as he bid to win silverware”, highlighting that the decision to retain the forward at the time was more about squad depth than belief in his long-term role.

Nunez’s Stats Raise Concerns Over Efficiency

Despite moments of brilliance, Nunez’s numbers tell a worrying story. Across his Liverpool career, he has scored 40 goals in 140 appearances. But perhaps more telling are his frequent missed opportunities: “21 big chances missed in 2022-23 and 27 the year after.”

This season alone, he’s managed only seven goals and four assists. As highlighted in the Mail’s report, “Nunez has scored only one goal in his last 19 appearances and has made seven big chances in the league in 2024-25.” These figures underline why Liverpool might finally be willing to cash in on their record signing.

Photo: IMAGO

Luis Diaz Also Attracting Saudi Attention

While all eyes may be on Nunez’s uncertain future, Al-Hilal are also reportedly monitoring Luis Diaz. The Colombian winger is entering the final two years of his contract, but there’s optimism he may stay. “Mail Sport understands the Colombian winger is due to sit down with Liverpool chiefs to make a decision on his future this summer.”

Diaz has flourished under Slot’s system, playing a key role in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. His versatility and work rate have made him a cornerstone of the Dutchman’s attack, and Liverpool are expected to offer him an improved contract in the coming months.

What Next for Liverpool and Nunez?

The potential departure of Darwin Nunez would not only represent a major financial decision, but also a symbolic shift away from the chaos and unpredictability of recent attacking signings. With Saudi clubs prepared to spend big ahead of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, Liverpool could benefit financially from a clean break.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s tactical blueprint leans toward efficiency, discipline, and intelligent pressing—qualities Nunez has sometimes struggled to exhibit. A fresh start elsewhere may be what both the player and the club need.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool journey was always going to divide opinion. Signed with high hopes and a hefty price tag, his raw energy and occasional moments of brilliance never quite masked his inconsistency in front of goal. While his work ethic was admirable, the lack of composure and decision-making in key moments often left fans frustrated.

This latest report from The Daily Mail feels like the beginning of the end. The Club World Cup angle makes sense—Saudi clubs are desperate to make a splash on the global stage, and Nunez still has the kind of presence that attracts headlines. But for Liverpool, especially under a title-winning manager like Arne Slot, there’s no room for sentimentality.

Slot has built a side on cohesion and structure, and it’s telling that Diaz and Jota have flourished while Nunez has regressed. If a big-money bid does materialise on 1 June, it would be wise to accept and reinvest. A striker who misses that many big chances in two straight seasons cannot be the focal point of a side with domestic and European ambitions.

Letting Nunez go would not be an admission of failure—it would be a sign that Liverpool have learned to adapt quickly in a fast-changing football landscape. Sometimes the biggest statement a club can make is knowing when to move on.