Darwin Núñez expected to join Al-Hilal after Liverpool agree £46.3m fee

Liverpool have agreed a fee of €53 million (£46.3 million) plus add-ons with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for the transfer of striker Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan international is expected to complete the move once personal terms are finalized. This fee is lower than the £60 million Liverpool had initially wanted to recoup for the 26-year-old.

Núñez had previously expressed interest in a move to Saudi Arabia in January, when Liverpool rejected a £60 million offer from Al-Nassr as they focused on winning the Premier League title. Both the player and his representatives reiterated their desire for a transfer this summer. Despite contributing to Liverpool's title win, Núñez started only eight Premier League games last season and struggled to adapt to manager Arne Slot's tactics, following similar difficulties under previous manager Jürgen Klopp. Liverpool had paid an initial £65 million to sign him from Benfica in 2022, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to £85 million.

Should Núñez's move to Al-Hilal be completed as anticipated, Liverpool will pursue another attacking option. Their primary target is Newcastle's Alexander Isak, with a £110 million plus add-ons bid already submitted. Any replacement must possess the quality to start and represent fair market value, especially considering Liverpool have also lost Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz from their title-winning squad.

Financially, Liverpool have spent almost £300 million on players this summer including add-ons. Should the Núñez deal go through, the club will have recouped £251 million in player sales since the summer of 2024. Players Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa could also be sold before the transfer window closes on September 1st.