Paul Joyce: Liverpool ‘In Talks’ Over £47.5m Transfer Deal | OneFootball

Darwin Núñez Transfer Talks Intensify as Al-Hilal Close In

Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool journey appears to be drawing to a close, with discussions over a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal moving forward at pace. As reported by Paul Joyce for The Times, “An agreement between the clubs is expected to be brokered quickly if Núñez agrees to the transfer which would bring to an end three fitful years at Anfield.”

Simeone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal have emerged as the leading contenders for the Uruguay international’s signature, despite interest from AC Milan. Their determination to finalise the move has seen them press ahead while at their training camp in Germany. Liverpool now await Núñez’s decision on whether to travel to complete talks.

Financial Shift from January Valuation

Liverpool’s original stance in January had been firm. The club sought “around the €70 million mark [£60.6 million]” when Al-Nassr made an approach, but the focus then was on securing the Premier League title. With that objective achieved, the figure is now likely to be “significantly lower” to ensure the deal is completed, with add-ons set to top up the total fee. Reports suggest that we could be looking at around a £47.5m fee, with heavy add-ons to be included further down the line.

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Napoli’s earlier interest fell away due to the price tag, and while AC Milan remain in the conversation, it is Al-Hilal who are applying the most pressure to bring Núñez in before the new season.

A Record Signing Who Never Fully Settled

Liverpool paid an initial £64 million, potentially rising to £85 million, to bring Núñez from Benfica in 2022 after his standout performances in the Champions League. It was a transfer heavily championed by former manager Jürgen Klopp.

However, despite moments of quality, Núñez struggled for consistency. “Despite his popularity in sections of the fan base, Núñez has not proved a reliable asset,” wrote Joyce. New manager Arne Slot gave him an opportunity to stake a claim in the 2024/25 season, but seven goals across all competitions meant he ended the campaign “on the periphery of Liverpool’s plans.”

Memorable Moments and Fond Farewells

Núñez’s tally of 25 goals for Liverpool includes significant strikes, notably his brace in a vital 2-0 win away to Brentford in January, which helped pave the way to the club’s title triumph. Those flashes of decisive finishing explain the affection many supporters still hold for him.

If the deal with Al-Hilal goes through, Núñez will join a list of players leaving as Slot continues to reshape his squad. Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa have also been linked with moves away.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For many Liverpool supporters, Darwin Núñez has been a player who sparked more debate than perhaps anyone else in recent memory. His pace, physical presence and eye for spectacular goals made him an exciting watch, yet the frustration was never far behind when chances went begging.

When Arne Slot took charge and lifted the Premier League title in his debut season, there was a sense that Núñez might find the structure and confidence to flourish. Unfortunately, his role gradually diminished, and the writing has been on the wall for some months.

The Saudi Pro League move feels like a bittersweet ending. On one hand, it allows Liverpool to recoup funds and continue refreshing the squad for another title challenge. On the other, it means parting ways with a player who, on his day, could electrify Anfield.

Many will remember the goals against Brentford last January, a night when he looked every inch the player Liverpool thought they had signed. For supporters, the hope is that the club reinvests wisely, because replacing Núñez is not simply about statistics, it is about finding a forward who can lift the crowd and frighten defences.