Liverpool has permitted Darwin Núñez to enter talks with Al-Hilal as the Saudi Pro League club moves closer to agreeing on a transfer fee for the Uruguay international striker.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Al-Hilal are ongoing, but a deal is expected to be finalised swiftly should Núñez express willingness to make the switch. The 26-year-old, who made only eight Premier League starts last season, has attracted limited interest from European clubs due to the high financial demands involved. Both AC Milan and Napoli explored a move but ultimately walked away from negotiations.
Liverpool originally signed Núñez from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £64 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially bringing the fee to a club-record £85 million. The Reds are seeking to recover approximately £60 million from his sale.
Liverpool reject offer to retain Núñez
Earlier this year, Liverpool rejected a £60 million offer from Al-Nassr in the January transfer window, opting to retain Núñez while pursuing the league title. However, with new manager Arne Slot reshaping the squad and Núñez struggling to fully adapt to his system, the club now appears ready to cash in.
Al-Hilal’s current proposal stands at £46 million up front, with further payments tied to performance-based add-ons. The exact structure of the deal remains under discussion.
Should the deal go through, Núñez would be a marquee signing for Al-Hilal, a prominent forward in his prime. The Saudi side is currently holding a training camp in Germany, where Núñez could meet club representatives in the coming days. However, if an agreement is not finalised beforehand, he is expected to remain part of Liverpool’s plans for Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace.
Selling Núñez would bring Liverpool’s revenue from player sales to over £250 million since Richard Hughes took over as sporting director last summer. The club received £15 million from Lyon for Tyler Morton earlier this week and is open to offers for both Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa. RB Leipzig is monitoring Elliott as a potential replacement for Xavi Simons, who is being targeted by Chelsea, while Chiesa could be set for a return to Italy.
Despite the outgoings, Liverpool have been active in the market, spending close to £300 million this summer. Their £110 million bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak remains under consideration as the club looks to reinforce its attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
