Al-Hilal has already knocked on the doors of Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko, but couldn’t seal a deal with any of them. Now, their sights are set on Darwin Núñez, the Uruguayan forward from Liverpool. According to The Athletic, the Saudi club plans to submit a formal offer later this week and is counting on manager Simone Inzaghi’s desire to bring the player in. The coach made a point of putting Núñez’s name at the top of his transfer wish list.
If the deal moves forward, it could shake up two corners of the market: Saudi soccer, which is chasing another high-profile signing, and Liverpool, which sees Darwin as an opportunity to free up space to invest in another No. 9The Reds’ target is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but their opening bid of £120 million has already been rejected.
The situation at Liverpool
Darwin Núñez arrived at Anfield in 2022 from Benfica for a total fee of €100 million, including add-ons. His initial impact fell short of expectations. Last season, he appeared in 47 matches but scored just seven goals. More damaging to his confidence was the fact he started only eight games in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign.
The relationship between Núñez and the club seems to have cooled. While he’s praised for his work rate and physical commitment, the forward has faced criticism for his finishing and decision-making in key moments. With new arrivals coming in and a possible deal for Isak on the table, the Uruguayan could see his playing time reduced even further, making Al-Hilal’s proposal more appealing.
Is the deal challenging to pull off
Convincing Liverpool to part with Darwin won’t be easy, even with the club keen to strengthen its attack. The European transfer window still has weeks left, and the Reds are unlikely to accept a sale unless they have a replacement secured. Newcastle, for its part, has shown no urgency to negotiate for Isak, who remains a key figure for the club.
Al-Hilal, however, holds some strong cards. The first is financial power. The Saudi league has been offering salaries well above European standards, something that can heavily influence any player’s decision. The second is the chance for Darwin to be a true centerpiece, a role he’s unlikely to enjoy at Liverpool if the signing of Isak goes through.