David Ornstein: Exit ‘Possible’ for Liverpool Forward as Saudi Club Shows Interest | OneFootball

Nunez Future Uncertain as Ekitike Emerges in Liverpool’s Summer Plans

Saudi Interest Puts Spotlight Back on Darwin Nunez

Liverpool’s summer reshaping under Arne Slot continues at pace, and it now appears the future of Darwin Nunez could hold the key to further incomings at Anfield. As reported by David Ornstein for The Athletic, “There is, meanwhile, a possible departure from Merseyside in the form of Darwin Nunez.”

The Uruguayan striker is once again attracting significant attention from Saudi Arabia. “Al-Hilal contacted Liverpool about the Uruguay striker on Monday and the Saudi Pro League team were made aware of the conditions of a move,” Ornstein confirmed.

The conditions appear firm. “Liverpool rejected a proposal worth €70m from Al Nassr in January, and that sets a minimum bar if an exit is to materialise.”

Photo: IMAGO

While the fee is unlikely to be an obstacle for Al-Hilal, convincing the player might prove more difficult. Nunez is said to favour a stay in Europe, with clubs such as Atletico Madrid reportedly interested. However, wage demands may shift the balance back towards the Gulf.

Ekitike Next on Liverpool’s Transfer Radar

Amid this uncertainty, Liverpool’s next strategic signing has been identified. French U21 international Hugo Ekitike is now the club’s top attacking target. While Chelsea have flirted with the idea of a deal, they’ve reportedly baulked at Eintracht Frankfurt’s €100m (£84.7m) valuation.

Liverpool, however, remain active in the pursuit. The deal for Jeremie Frimpong has already been completed, while Florian Wirtz’s record-breaking move and an agreement for Milos Kerkez have pushed the summer spend past €230m (£195m).

But there’s a caveat: more arrivals depend on exits. As Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports, “Liverpool will now have to sell before they can buy, with Liverpool looking to move on two players from Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa or Darwin Nunez before any negotiations can begin.”

Photo IMAGO

Elliott’s Future Also in Question

Meanwhile, midfielder Harvey Elliott has been candid about his own role. With Wirtz arriving, minutes could be even harder to come by for the 22-year-old. “I don’t really want to be wasting years of my career because it’s a short career,” he said.

With interest from Wolves and Newcastle, Elliott’s departure would not come as a shock, even if it would be tinged with disappointment. Still, the pathway to first-team football remains paramount for young talents, and his ambition is understandable.

Slot’s Rebuild Hinges on Key Departures

Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer is one of ambition tempered by financial management. The club has moved quickly, landing high-calibre players to fit Slot’s vision. But for every bold arrival, there must be a calculated departure, and Nunez, it seems, could be the domino that enables more moves.

This isn’t just about player turnover; it’s about reshaping Liverpool’s identity. Slot wants intensity and intelligence in equal measure. And if Nunez, admired but inconsistent, is sacrificed to fund Ekitike or others, the logic may be rooted less in sentiment and more in strategic clarity.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters have always embraced forward momentum,  both on and off the pitch. But seeing Darwin Nunez linked so persistently with a move away feels premature. Yes, his form has been erratic. Yes, he misses chances. But he also brings chaos, movement, and fear to opposition defences, things no stat sheet can fully measure.

He’s still only 24. Under a new manager like Arne Slot, whose system might better accommodate Darwin’s raw attributes, why not back him rather than bank a fee? The €70m minimum mentioned by Ornstein feels like business, but it’s not necessarily smart business.

As for Hugo Ekitike, he’s a talent. But €100m? That’s not a punt; it’s a statement. We’ve seen how risky those can be. Wirtz and Frimpong? Great. But parting with Nunez, Jota or Elliott just to make room? That feels risky, especially in a year when we should be competing on all fronts again.

Let’s not forget: building a squad isn’t just about who’s next. It’s also about who stays and grows. Nunez might not be polished, but he’s ours, and he’s just getting started.