Premier League Liverpool’s striker Darwin Nunez has completed a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal in a deal worth up to £56.6m (€65m).
The agreement will see Al Hilal pay a fixed fee of £46.2m (€53m) plus performance-related add-ons.
Nunez, 26, scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds after joining from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64m. He struck 18 times in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but managed just seven goals last term under new manager Arne Slot.
Among his highlights last season were two stoppage-time goals in a 2-0 win over Brentford in January.
The Uruguay international had been the subject of significant Saudi interest in January, but Liverpool rejected those advances to focus on their title bid.
This summer, Nunez made clear his wish to leave, with AC Milan and Napoli both making approaches. Milan were unable to match Al Hilal’s financial package, while Napoli’s offer was rejected due to a lower valuation and unfavourable payment terms.
Liverpool Turn to Isak?
Attention now turns to how Liverpool will replace Nunez. The Premier League champions had a £110m plus add-ons bid rejected by Newcastle United for Alexander Isak, with the Magpies valuing the Sweden international at around £150m.
Alexander Isak has been subject of bids from Liverpool
Sources say Newcastle are braced for Liverpool to return with an improved offer. Isak has been instructed to stay away from first-team activities and will miss their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, confirmed manager Eddie Howe.
Alexander Isak’s Premier League stats and ranks last season
Newcastle are also in the market for a striker to replace Callum Wilson after missing out on signing Benjamin Sesko who has completed a move to Manchester United.
Liverpool are expected to only move for a forward if they believe a deal is realistic and represents value for money. The club also wants to maintain a pathway for 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who has impressed in pre-season, to step into the senior squad.