Football
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Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, according to multiple reports. The Uruguayan striker has agreed personal terms with the Saudi Pro League club, with the transfer deal reportedly worth £46.2 million million plus performance-related add-ons. The switch includes a massive wage increase to £400,000 per week, with a medical expected to take place in Germany in the coming days.

Transfer Breakdown: Deal Nearing Finalisation

The 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool in 2022 for a package worth up to €85 million (£63.5 million), is now set to leave Anfield after just three seasons. Al Hilal have offered a base fee of approximately €53 million (£46.2 million, $61.9 million), with clauses that could bring the total close to £56.6 million. Nunez, who currently earns around £140,000 per week at Liverpool, as reported by Capology, will see his wages nearly triple once the deal is signed.

Negotiations have advanced quickly, and both clubs appear keen to finalise the transfer during the ongoing window. Sources indicate that Liverpool have granted permission for Nunez to undergo a medical examination, which will likely occur in Europe before his official unveiling in Riyadh.

Nunez's Liverpool Stats: Promising Start, Mixed Finish

Nunez's time at Liverpool was marked by both flashes of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. Across 143 appearances in all competitions, he scored 40 goals and contributed 26 assists. He was instrumental in Liverpool's 2024–25 Premier League title win, although his individual output dipped last season, with just seven goals scored.

Signed from Benfica as a long-term replacement for Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Nunez was seen as a key figure in Jurgen Klopp's attacking rebuild. However, with increased competition for forward positions and fluctuating form, his role diminished over time.

Al Hilal's Continued Expansion in the Global Market

Al Hilal's interest in Darwin Nunez is the latest move in the Saudi club's aggressive push to attract top European talent. In recent transfer windows, the Riyadh-based side has completed deals for several established players from the Premier League and La Liga, including marquee names like Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Saudi Pro League has significantly increased its financial muscle, using high wages and transfer fees to lure players in their prime. Nunez's impending move further highlights the league's ambition to position itself as a serious competitor on the global football stage, challenging Europe's dominance in elite football.

What the Move Means for Liverpool's Squad

Nunez's departure opens up a critical gap in Liverpool's front line, particularly with speculation surrounding other attacking players like Luis Díaz. Manager Jurgen Klopp may be forced to act quickly in the market, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak among names linked with a move to Anfield, alongside other emerging European prospects.

The sale of Nunez also represents a recalibration of Liverpool's attacking strategy, as the club continues to refresh its roster following an era-defining decade. With a significant return on their initial investment, Liverpool may be looking to reinvest in younger, more versatile forwards before the season begins, especially with Champions League competition ahead.

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