Saudi Club Pushing to Sign £85million Liverpool Forward – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Nunez Faces Uncertain Future Amid Al-Hilal Interest

Darwin Nunez’s turbulent spell at Liverpool appears to be approaching a crossroads, as reports from Italy suggest Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal are weighing up a move for the Uruguayan striker. The 25-year-old, who joined the Reds in 2022 for a then club-record £85 million, has endured a frustrating 2024-25 season, raising questions over his long-term role at Anfield.

Once heralded as a statement signing under former boss Jurgen Klopp, Nunez has struggled to live up to expectations. Despite Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph under new manager Arne Slot, the forward has found himself on the periphery, making only eight league starts and 21 appearances off the bench. With five goals and three assists to show from 29 Premier League matches, his contribution has been well below par for a player of his pedigree and price tag.

Saudi Market Rekindles Interest in Nunez

This is not the first time a Saudi Pro League side has expressed interest in Nunez. Liverpool reportedly turned down a mid-season offer from Al-Nassr in January, unwilling to part with the striker while still contending on multiple fronts. That stance, driven by the team’s ambitions at the time, led Al-Nassr to pursue Colombian forward Jhon Duran instead.

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Now, with Liverpool’s trophy charge concluded and squad reshuffling under way, the stance has shifted. The club is open to offers for the Uruguayan international, and Al-Hilal have emerged as serious contenders. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, Nunez is among several forward options the Saudi side is evaluating, particularly if they fail to land top target Victor Osimhen.

Al-Hilal Eyeing Alternatives After Osimhen Rebuff

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Osimhen remains complicated. Although the Saudi outfit have tabled a formal bid, Napoli rejected the offer, holding out for a valuation that reflects the Nigerian’s standing in European football. The forward himself is reportedly reluctant to leave the continent, preferring to compete at the highest level.

This has led Al-Hilal to explore other targets, with Nunez now firmly on their radar. Liverpool’s willingness to negotiate this time around may offer the Saudis a viable alternative, especially as they continue to bolster their attacking ranks in a bid to dominate domestically and establish credibility on the global stage.

What Next for Nunez and Liverpool?

For Nunez, a move to Al-Hilal could represent a chance to reset his career and rediscover the form that convinced Liverpool to break the bank in 2022. At the same time, for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, offloading a high-earning squad player who has yet to fully integrate into the Dutchman’s tactical system may be seen as smart business.

Nunez’s situation is emblematic of the shifting sands in football’s transfer landscape. With Saudi clubs increasingly aggressive in the market and Premier League sides rethinking squad composition under new financial realities, moves that once seemed implausible now feel inevitable.

Whether Al-Hilal follow through with a formal bid, or whether Nunez seeks a return to Europe via interest from Atletico Madrid, his departure feels more likely than ever. For now, Liverpool fans and executives alike will be watching the market closely as the summer unfolds.