Darwin Nunez's Shocking Fall: How Liverpool's $100M Star Crashed from Anfield Hero to Saudi Arabia Outcast
A single term has come to define Darwin Núñez's turbulent journey: pandemonium.
Núñez's erratic character serves as both an advantage and a hindrance. Switching between brilliance and absurdity, frequently within mere moments, the Uruguayan's volatility transforms him into a formidable threat and perpetual source of exasperation simultaneously.
The towering forward didn't follow a conventional path to prominence, starting in Uruguay and initially drawing major notice for his remarkable displays with Almeria in Spain's second tier. Benfica followed, where Núñez truly established his reputation before a European audience.
An £85 million ($105 million at the time) transfer to Liverpool (with additional clauses) brought intense scrutiny. Flashes of brilliance occurred regularly, yet it was the moments of ineptitude that frequently dominated news cycles.
Currently playing in Saudi Arabia, following Liverpool's recovery of £46 million from his move to Al Hilal, Núñez again finds himself embroiled in turmoil after being harshly excluded from the club's league squad for the season's remainder. Yet another obstacle in an extraordinary career.
Therefore, what has led to Núñez's downfall?
Goalscoring Sensation: Why Liverpool Bought Darwin Núñez
Scoring Machine: Liverpool's Rationale for Acquiring Darwin Núñez
Núñez initially entered Liverpool fans' consciousness in April 2022—just months before his Merseyside arrival. The Reds faced Benfica in the Champions League quarter-finals, and Núñez's goals in both matches captured Jürgen Klopp's attention.
The former Liverpool boss advocated for his acquisition and, despite some pushback from the club's analytics-focused scouting team, ultimately secured the striker he desired. Physical, rapid and possessing limitless stamina, it's understandable why Klopp was eager to add Núñez to his squad.
Sixteen goals at Almeria had persuaded Benfica of his potential, and an additional 48 strikes over two Portuguese seasons was sufficient for Liverpool to make their move. A substantial investment certainly—but undeniably spent on a player with tremendous potential.
What Went Wrong at Anfield?
Where Did Things Go Awry at Anfield?
It's simple to overlook that Núñez began promisingly in Liverpool's jersey. A strike in his semi-competitive debut during the Community Shield versus Manchester City immediately won over his new supporters, and a subsequent goal plus assist in his Premier League bow heightened anticipation. Nevertheless, Liverpool quickly learned what they were handling.
A reckless headbutt against Crystal Palace during his first competitive Anfield match resulted in a direct red card, and such dramatic fluctuations in performance and judgment became commonplace from the beginning. A tally of 15 goals in his inaugural season was overshadowed by numerous glaring misses, and even an enhanced second campaign on Merseyside—18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions—failed to unite a split fanbase.
Núñez's language barrier certainly hindered his adaptation to Premier League football, while his questionable shooting technique created additional worries. Force was consistently his focus, elegance perpetually ignored.
Núñez's stunning inconsistency eventually ended his Anfield tenure, particularly following a disappointing seven-goal output in his final season and debut campaign under Arne Slot. Liverpool's transition to a more controlled style under their Dutch manager sealed the striker's fate.
More Misery in Saudi Arabia
Additional Struggles in Saudi Arabia
The 26-year-old appeared poised to revitalize his faltering career against the weaker defenses of the Saudi Pro League, yet Al Hilal have not witnessed the forward's peak form. His initial half-season in the Middle East produced merely seven goals in 23 matches across all tournaments, and despite his team's undefeated league record this season while topping the table, Núñez has been sidelined.
Al Hilal's headline winter acquisition, Karim Benzema, has instantly replaced the former Liverpool player. The French striker arrived from fellow PIF-owned Al Ittihad after helping secure their league championship last season, and a transfer that has irritated Cristiano Ronaldo has also caused disappointment for Núñez.
To make room for Benzema in their Saudi Pro League roster, Núñez required complete removal due to the league's foreign player registration regulations. He can participate in only five additional league matches this season, though he remains available for AFC Champions League fixtures. Nevertheless, he now sits on the sidelines.
Considering his limited production, especially compared to newcomer Benzema, Núñez's exclusion is hardly shocking. His future prospects remain uncertain.
What Next for Darwin Núñez?
Darwin Núñez's Future Prospects?
Regrettably for Núñez, his choices are now restricted. Transfer markets remain active globally—deals continue in Brazil, Argentina and the United States among other nations—but a move appears more probable during summer.
The timing of his Al Hilal exclusion will deeply frustrate Núñez, who hopes to maintain his position in Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay roster for the 2026 World Cup despite reduced playing time. However, a substantial shortage of elite-level match experience will undoubtedly impact his reputation approaching the tournament.
Should Núñez depart the Middle East, a European return seems most likely. Opportunities remain to revitalize his tumultuous career.