Núñez, who joined the Reds in 2022 for a then-record fee of up to £85 million, is believed to have said, “After everything I’ve done for this fantastic club, they’ve still decided to bring in a combative forward to take my place. I’m unhappy — I want to leave, and I want to leave now.”
Liverpool is rumored to have a verbal agreement in place to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £84 million. The 22-year-old French striker enjoyed a strong campaign in the Bundesliga, notching 15 goals and 8 assists, and his high energy and pace reportedly align well with new manager Arne Slot’s tactics. This development has seemingly added to Núñez’s growing dissatisfaction.
Since arriving at Anfield, Núñez has delivered mixed performances. Though he’s scored 40 goals in 142 matches, he has struggled to cement a regular starting spot under Slot, often falling behind the likes of Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota. His reduced minutes have also had financial implications, potentially costing former club Benfica a €5 million bonus if Núñez fails to make another start.
Interest in Núñez is growing, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal reportedly offering him a massive contract worth £558,000 per week. Atlético Madrid is also monitoring the situation, potentially offering him a route back to La Liga.
Liverpool’s ongoing interest in players such as Ekitike, Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), and Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth) signals a broader rebuild under Slot. These moves suggest the club may be planning for a future without Núñez.
With the summer transfer window approaching, all signs point toward an exit for the Uruguayan. Whether he moves to the Saudi Pro League, returns to Spain, or seeks a fresh start elsewhere, Núñez’s Liverpool chapter seems to be closing.