Darwin Núñez is on the verge of leaving Liverpool for Al-Hilal, with the club set to take a significant financial hit on the striker who arrived as a club-record signing. The Uruguayan’s three-year stint at Anfield was marked by spectacular highs and frustrating lows, ultimately failing to meet the lofty expectations set by former manager Jürgen Klopp.
Núñez’s Liverpool career began with a Community Shield-winning goal against Manchester City on debut, but quickly soured with a red card for a head-butt in his first home appearance. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a stoppage-time double against Brentford in January 2025, he managed only one goal in his final 20 appearances for the club. Klopp had sidelined him before leaving in May 2024, starting just one of the last seven games.
Current head coach Arne Slot initially backed Núñez, holding a video call during the Copa América to outline plans for him as a central striker. However, Slot soon echoed Klopp’s frustrations, citing Núñez’s erratic finishing and inability to adapt against deep-lying defences. “Darwin is a striker we have to use in a certain way,” Slot said in January, “and we were not able yet to bring the best out of him this season.”
Núñez pushed for a move in January 2025 when Liverpool rejected a £60m offer from Al-Nassr, prioritising the Premier League title race. This summer, his representatives again sought a transfer. Despite a strong pre-season, the club has decided to sell, with Al-Hilal now poised to secure his signature at a reduced fee.
