Liverpool Officially Announce Darwin Nunez Departure as Massive Transfer Fee Details Emerge
Darwin Núñez has completed his transfer to Al Hilal following successful negotiations between the Saudi Arabian club and Liverpool for the Uruguayan forward.
According to The Athletic, the deal will bring Liverpool €65 million (£56.3 million, $75.7 million) through what are considered realistic performance-related bonuses. The base transfer fee stands at €53 million to secure the Uruguayan's departure from Anfield, representing a reduction from Al Nassr's previously reported €70 million bid in January. However, retaining Núñez contributed to securing the Premier League title during Arne Slot's inaugural season.
"Everyone at the club wishes to express gratitude to Darwin for his service and extends best wishes to him and his family for what lies ahead," Liverpool announced in an official statement.
Núñez gained recognition at Benfica during the 2021–22 season, netting 26 goals and recording four assists in Liga Portugal. The subsequent summer saw his transfer to Liverpool, where he faced challenges during his tenure with the Reds. He achieved double-digit goal tallies in only one season (10 in 2023–24) and managed just 10 goal contributions across 39 Premier League and Champions League matches last term. Although he found the net in his first appearance during the 2022 FA Community Shield, the Uruguayan never established consistency and encountered difficulties converting chances throughout his Anfield career.
During the previous season, he often found himself as a backup option behind Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota. Overall, Núñez registered 40 goals and delivered 26 assists across 143 matches for Liverpool.
The Uruguayan's playing time faced further competition this summer with the signing of former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké. Núñez featured with reserve players in one of two exhibition matches against Athletic Club, finding the net in what proved to be his farewell performance as Ekitiké was given priority with the first-team squad later that evening.
Additionally, Liverpool maintain their pursuit of Alexander Isak and saw a £110 million ($147.8 million) offer quickly turned down by Newcastle. Nevertheless, the Swedish striker's situation remains uncertain amid reports of individual training sessions and his desire to secure a departure before the transfer deadline on Sept. 1.
Liverpool are expected to recruit a striker this summer to fill the void left by the Uruguayan, potentially using the funds generated from this sale alongside other transfers to submit an enhanced offer for Isak.
The Reds continue to monitor Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi as well.