Liverpool Approached About Nunez Transfer as Striker's True Priority Emerges
Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Hilal have initiated discussions with Liverpool regarding a potential transfer of Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez, according to recent reports, though the striker reportedly prefers to stay in Europe with Atlético Madrid showing interest.
While Liverpool celebrated collective success in the Premier League, Núñez experienced a disappointing personal campaign. The Uruguayan striker managed to score only five goals in the league, his lowest tally since departing Peñarol for European football five years ago.
New manager Arne Slot limited Núñez to just eight Premier League starts, preferring to utilize Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and even deploying midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in false-nine positions instead.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool previously rejected interest from Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al Nassr during the January transfer window—a logical decision given their minimal summer recruitment and ongoing title challenge, which made reducing squad depth impractical. Now, it appears Al Hilal is attempting to attract Núñez to Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool are reportedly setting an initial asking price of £59 million ($80.3 million)—matching the offer Al Hilal made in January. Núñez has done little to enhance his market value in the intervening months, contributing just one goal and one assist across 18 appearances since February.
Al Hilal's need for immediate reinforcement has significantly decreased. Following Tuesday's transfer deadline, teams participating in the Club World Cup cannot register new players until a second registration window opens between June 27 and July 3 before the knockout stages begin. Al Hilal are considered one of the dark horses this summer and could potentially finish second behind Real Madrid in Group H.
Atlético Madrid have also expressed interest in signing Núñez, who reportedly prefers a move to Spain and has already begun making arrangements to relocate his family there.