Al Hilal have successfully negotiated a transfer agreement with Liverpool for striker Darwin Núñez, with the Uruguayan set to sign a three-year contract until June 2028. The Saudi Arabian club will pay Liverpool €53 million plus add-ons for the 26-year-old forward, who opened the door to the move last week.
Contract details are currently being finalized between all parties, with the deal expected to reach completion once the remaining formalities are sorted. The agreement represents a significant investment by Al Hilal as they continue their ambitious recruitment drive under new coach Simone Inzaghi.
Financial Package and Structure
The transfer fee of €53 million plus performance-related add-ons provides Liverpool with substantial funds to reinvest in their squad. This figure represents solid business for the Merseyside club, who paid Benfica €64 million for Núñez in 2022.
Some reports suggest the total package including bonuses could reach €65 million, making this one of the most expensive departures from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League. The structure allows Liverpool to recoup most of their initial investment while providing Al Hilal with a proven goalscorer.
The three-year contract until June 2028 demonstrates Al Hilal’s commitment to securing Núñez during his peak years, with the striker turning 26 next month and entering his prime period as a center-forward.
Player Decision and Timeline
Núñez gave Al Hilal the green light for negotiations after being impressed by their long-term sporting project and the appointment of former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi. The Uruguayan forward opened discussions with the Saudi club last week following limited playing time under Arne Slot.
The striker’s willingness to consider the move reflects his desire for regular first-team football after struggling to establish himself as Liverpool’s primary attacking option. His reduced role in Slot’s tactical system made a departure increasingly likely.
Al Hilal’s persistence in negotiations proved crucial, with the club presenting multiple proposals before reaching terms acceptable to both Liverpool and the player himself.
Strategic for Liverpool
Liverpool’s decision to sanction Núñez’s departure stems from Slot’s tactical preferences and the club’s ongoing squad restructuring. The Dutch coach has implemented a different attacking approach that doesn’t maximize Núñez’s strengths as a traditional number nine.
The sale provides Liverpool with funds to pursue alternative attacking options, with the club having shown interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak earlier in the summer. Their failed £110 million approach for the Swedish striker indicates their willingness to reinvest significantly.
Competition from AC Milan also emerged during negotiations, but Al Hilal’s financial package proved superior to any European alternative. The Saudi club’s ability to offer both higher transfer fees and wages tilted the balance in their favor.
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Al Hilal’s Ambitious Project
Under new management and with significant financial backing, Al Hilal are positioning themselves as the premier destination for international talent in Saudi Arabia. Núñez’s arrival would add to their already impressive roster of world-class players.
Simone Inzaghi identified Núñez as a priority target upon taking charge, viewing the Uruguayan’s pace and physicality as ideal for his tactical system. The Italian coach’s experience with top-level strikers influenced Al Hilal’s determined pursuit.
The signing aligns with the Saudi Pro League’s broader strategy of attracting established European talent to raise the competition’s global profile and quality.
Performance Background
During his Liverpool career, Núñez scored 40 goals in 143 appearances across all competitions, showing flashes of his potential while struggling for consistency. His record includes crucial goals in European competition and domestic cup runs.
The forward’s international experience with Uruguay, including appearances at major tournaments, adds to his appeal for Al Hilal’s continental ambitions in Asian football.
This transfer concludes Núñez’s chapter at Anfield after two seasons, providing him with a fresh start in a league where his attributes should translate effectively.
