Change may be on the horizon at Anfield, with Darwin Nunez potentially heading for the exit. Despite being signed in 2022 for a hefty £85 million, the Uruguayan striker’s future at Liverpool is now uncertain. Reports from England and Portugal indicate that the club has set an informal deadline for his departure, as Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal shows increasing interest.
Al-Hilal, a top contender in the Saudi Pro League, is said to be preparing a significant offer to secure Nunez’s services. With the FIFA Club World Cup registration deadline fast approaching on Tuesday, the Saudi club is under pressure to finalize deals quickly. This urgency has reportedly pushed Liverpool to evaluate their plans more seriously.
Initially seen as Roberto Firmino’s successor, Nunez brought speed and goal-scoring instincts to the squad. He managed 15 goals in his debut season under Jürgen Klopp and improved to 18 the next year, though consistency was an issue.
However, under new manager Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign, Nunez’s form dipped drastically, scoring only seven times. He hasn’t started a competitive game since March 8 against Southampton — also the last time he scored — and has mostly been benched or left out since.
While Liverpool rejected Saudi interest in January, believing Nunez could bounce back, his continued dip in form and the club’s lack of trophies last season have reportedly shifted that stance.
According to talkSPORT, Al-Hilal is preparing an official offer. The Saudi club, known for chasing big-name signings, has already faced rejections from the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Victor Osimhen.
Interestingly, Osimhen — who recently starred on loan at Galatasaray with 37 goals — has been loosely connected with Liverpool before. But the Reds’ attention now appears focused on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish forward has been in exceptional form, netting an astounding 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons in Portugal. He’s drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League’s finest and is viewed as ready to take the next step.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that Al-Hilal also tried to sign Gyokeres, but the player declined, favoring a move to England. This strengthens his case as Liverpool’s leading candidate to replace Nunez if a deal goes through.
Gyokeres would bring a different profile — powerful, clinical, and well-suited to Slot’s high-pressing, attacking tactics.
Financially, a big offer from Al-Hilal — potentially equal to or greater than what Liverpool spent on Nunez — would allow the Reds to reinvest in a more consistent, younger striker like Gyokeres.
Al-Hilal’s urgency to sign a marquee name for the Club World Cup might work in Liverpool’s favor. The Saudi club has already put forward £100 million bids for top targets, signaling a willingness to spend big.
Still, Liverpool isn’t rushing into a decision. Sources suggest the club is open to selling Nunez but only for the right price.
The club is also reportedly looking at other squad improvements, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. But with the attacking line looking thin, finding the right replacement for Nunez will be a top priority.
With the summer transfer window opening on June 16, Liverpool’s next moves will soon become clear. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching as the club looks to reshape its squad.
Whether Nunez stays to revive his Liverpool career or starts fresh in Saudi Arabia, the coming weeks will be critical for both the player and the club
