Darwin Nunez in Shock Exit Talks as Liverpool Star Eyes Blockbuster Departure

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have engaged in discussions with Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez regarding a potential summer move to the Middle East, according to recent reports.

Liverpool are willing to let Núñez leave this summer following his difficulties in securing a consistent starting position under new head coach Arne Slot. The Uruguayan forward, who can operate both centrally and on the left flank, featured in 30 Premier League matches last season but only earned eight starting berths throughout the campaign.

Slot is open to selling Núñez, though Liverpool have encountered minimal interest in the 26-year-old, who joined Anfield for a then-record fee of £85 million ($112.6 million) in 2022. Napoli were previously considered frontrunners earlier in the transfer window but subsequently withdrew their pursuit.

Speculation regarding a potential Saudi Pro League switch has persisted for several weeks, and Fabrizio Romano has verified that Núñez has engaged in discussions with Al Hilal, who have outlined their vision to the Uruguayan attacker.

Regional media sources indicate that Núñez has been pinpointed as Al Hilal's primary transfer objective by new coach Simeone Inzaghi, previously of Champions League runners-up Inter Milan.

Liverpool rejected a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia for Núñez in January, reportedly from Al Hilal. The bid was allegedly valued at approximately £70 million ($92.7 million), which Liverpool deemed insufficient to compromise their Premier League title challenge.

Any transfer fee this summer would likely be considerably lower. Earlier in the window, a valuation of £60 million ($79.5 million) was floated, but Napoli quickly abandoned negotiations in favor of more affordable alternatives, eventually acquiring Lorenzo Lucca.

Al Hilal represent one of the few clubs with the financial capacity to satisfy Liverpool's valuation, though much depends on Núñez's willingness to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Revenue generated from the departures of Núñez and Luis Díaz, who has since joined Bayern Munich, was intended to finance a record-breaking pursuit of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, but the Reds are no longer expected to advance with that deal after their £110 million ($145.7 million) offer was unsuccessful.