Former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez has opened his account in the Saudi Pro League. The 26-year-old, who left Anfield this summer, struck for Al-Hilal in their 2-2 draw with Al-Qadisiya at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena.
Núñez joined the Saudi giants in August in a £43.3m deal, bringing an end to his three-year spell with Liverpool. His time at Anfield will be remembered as mixed—40 goals in 143 appearances, but often playing a reduced role in last season’s Premier League title success under Arne Slot.
Since completing the move, the Uruguayan has maintained good form, scoring in three consecutive pre-season games for Al-Hilal. His first league strike arrived from close range, sparking loud celebrations as it cancelled out Al-Qadisiya’s opener.
Liverpool fans had already said their goodbyes when Núñez penned an emotional message on Instagram after sealing the transfer:
“Thank you, Liverpool. Three years on, it’s time to say goodbye. I’ll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever.
I leave with a full heart—thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back, through the highs and the lows. Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I’ll miss you more than words can say.
To all the staff and my teammates, thank you, and all the very best for the future. YNWA.”
His Liverpool No.9 shirt has since been passed on to Alexander Isak, the club’s £125m deadline-day signing, who could make his debut against Burnley at Turf Moor.