Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has agreed to leave Al-Hilal less than a year after joining the Saudi Arabian club. The 26-year-old Uruguay international departed Anfield last August for an initial fee of £46 million, a significant reduction from the £64 million Liverpool paid Benfica to sign him in 2022.
Although Nunez contributed to Liverpool's Premier League title win last season, his overall time on Merseyside was largely disappointing. He scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Reds, but when Al-Hilal made an offer, Liverpool decided to cash in.
After a promising first half of the season in Saudi Arabia, Nunez was ruthlessly axed from Al-Hilal's squad to make room for January signing Karim Benzema. Saudi Pro League rules permit only eight foreign players born before 2003 in the 25-man squad, and Nunez was the one cut. He has not played for Al-Hilal since February.
New Agreement Secured
According to Uruguayan outlet Referi, Nunez has now reached an agreement with Al-Hilal to leave at the end of the current season. The striker is desperate for more game time, especially after not starting either of Uruguay's friendlies in March. Despite his axe, Nunez has remained professional and continues to train daily.
He earns approximately £400,000 per week in the Middle East, more than double his Liverpool wages. Both Chelsea and Juventus have been linked with a potential move for Nunez.
Performance and Future Prospects
In 16 Saudi Pro League appearances this season, Nunez has scored six goals and provided four assists, demonstrating that he still possesses his shooting ability. His best season remains his final one with Benfica, where he scored 34 times in 41 games, convincing Liverpool to agree a deal that could have risen to £85 million had he succeeded.
Nunez's time at Anfield started poorly when he head-butted Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen on his home debut, earning a straight red card. He quickly gained a reputation for inconsistency and struggled to earn Jurgen Klopp's full trust, falling out of favour towards the end of the German's tenure. The same happened under Arne Slot, who criticised Nunez's 'unacceptable' work rate last season, prompting his decision to leave for Al-Hilal on a three-year contract.
