Darwin Nunez is on the verge of leaving Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League, with a verbal agreement already in place between the Reds and Al Hilal. Softfootball understands that the deal is reportedly worth an initial €53 million (£46.1m), with performance-related add-ons that could push the total fee to around €65 million (£56.6m).
Although the clubs have reached a general understanding, the move is still subject to Nunez agreeing to personal terms and finalising official paperwork. Everything has to be finalised before there can be a formal announcement from either side.
Reliable German journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed the news on Tuesday via his official X account, stating:
“Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal – DONE DEAL! Full agreement has been reached with Liverpool. Nunez has also given his green light. Contract until 2028. Medical will follow once the paperwork is completed. Top salary.
“An important sale for LFC, who are still working on a move for Alexander Isak and also want to sign a top winger.”
Nunez has reportedly expressed a willingness to accept the transfer and could link up with Al Hilal during their pre-season training camp in Germany, if the deal moves swiftly enough.
Liverpool previously turned down a £60 million offer from Al Nassr for the Uruguayan striker in January, but this summer, their stance has softened. That shift is partly influenced by the recent signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, suggesting the club is preparing for life after Nunez.
Signed from Benfica in 2022 for a package worth up to £85 million, Núñez was Liverpool’s record signing until the blockbuster €116 million acquisition of Florian Wirtz this summer. Despite flashes of brilliance, his goal return of just 40 goals in three seasons hasn’t quite justified the original investment.
While Nunez’s departure inches closer, Liverpool remains locked in talks with Newcastle United over a potential move for Alexander Isak. An opening bid of around £110 million was turned down, but negotiations are ongoing, with both parties expected to reach a resolution eventually.
Meanwhile, the Reds are also keen on bringing in a new top-class winger, although specific targets remain undisclosed for now. The club’s summer transfer activity is clearly far from over, with the final weeks of the window shaping up to be quite eventful at Anfield.
