Liverpool Agree Deal with Al Hilal for Darwin Núñez Amid Striker Reshuffle

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Liverpool have reached an agreement with Al Hilal for the sale of striker Darwin Núñez, in a deal worth up to £56.6 million (€65m).

The Saudi Pro League club have offered a fixed fee of £46.2m (€53m), with a further £10.4m (€12m) in performance-related add-ons. However, the final step remains Núñez’s personal approval of the move, which the Reds are still awaiting.

AC Milan were also interested and made an approach, but were never expected to match the financial package offered by Al Hilal.

Núñez at Liverpool: Mixed Success

Núñez joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64m, with high expectations. In total, he’s made 143 appearances, scoring 40 goals across all competitions.

He enjoyed a productive 2022/23 season under Jürgen Klopp, netting 18 goals, but struggled for consistency under new manager Arne Slot, managing only seven goals last term. Nevertheless, he provided vital moments—most notably, two stoppage-time goals in a 2-0 win away at Brentford in January.

Analysis: Will Liverpool Miss Núñez?

“I would be very sorry to lose him,” said one analyst.

“He’s Uruguay’s cutting edge. He’s always trying, running into channels, and putting himself about.

Although some Liverpool fans have their doubts, many admire his work rate and optimism in front of goal.”

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Núñez may view a move to Saudi Arabia as a way to stay fresh and injury-free. Yet, his departure would still be a blow to Liverpool’s attacking depth and the Premier League as a whole.

Carragher: Think Twice on Isak Deal

With Núñez potentially on his way out, speculation has intensified over Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak.

Jamie Carragher has publicly stated his admiration for the Newcastle striker but questioned the wisdom of such a large financial outlay. Earlier this summer, Liverpool reportedly made a £110m bid plus add-ons, though Newcastle are holding out for £150m.

“It would be an amazing signing,” Carragher said on a podcast.

“But I don’t want the club spending £150m on Isak, especially after signing Hugo Ekitike for £80m as what looks like a back-up. It doesn’t sit right with me.”

Carragher also raised concerns over Isak’s apparent unease at Newcastle following the arrival of new attacking signings.

“It just seems messy. If he wanted to leave, shouldn’t he and his agent have made that clear earlier?”

Forward Planning

With Núñez nearing an exit and Ekitike already signed, Liverpool’s strategy in the transfer market will be under close scrutiny. Whether they pursue Isak or another marquee striker remains to be seen—but fans and pundits alike are calling for clarity and balance in how the club handles its attacking options.

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