Darwin Nunez Set for Al-Hilal Switch in €53m Deal

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after the two clubs agreed on a transfer fee of €53 million (£46.3m), Sport360NG reports.

The Uruguayan international is now expected to undergo a medical ahead of completing the move. Nunez arrived at Anfield from Benfica in June 2022 for an initial £64 million but has struggled to consistently deliver in front of goal, scoring 40 times in 143 appearances.

Last season, the 26-year-old started just eight Premier League games during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign and netted only seven goals across all competitions. Despite his inconsistent form, he has impressed in pre-season, scoring five goals, including a rapid hat-trick in a friendly against Stoke.

Nunez’s departure could help fund Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. The Reds recently saw a £110m offer rejected, with the Magpies reportedly holding out for around £150m for the Swedish forward.

Liverpool’s summer transfer window has already seen significant activity. The club broke their transfer record to sign German star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m and also landed French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal. Their total outlay now exceeds £250m.

On the outgoing front, Luis Diaz joined Bayern Munich for £65.5m, midfielder Tyler Morton moved to Lyon for £15m, and Harvey Elliott is also attracting interest.

Nunez had previously been linked with a January move to Al-Nassr, who reportedly offered €70m (£61m), and was also on Napoli’s radar earlier this summer.

Al-Hilal, managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, finished second in the Saudi top flight last season. The club already boasts a high-profile squad including Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.