‘Medical Today’ – Liverpool Set to Confirm £53m Transfer Deal | OneFootball

Darwin Núñez Exit Nears as Liverpool and Al-Hilal Strike £53m Agreement

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal over the transfer of Darwin Núñez, as reported by Dominic King and Ben Jacobs. The fee, believed to be worth £53 million including significant bonuses, brings an end to Núñez’s turbulent three-year spell at Anfield.

The Uruguayan international will “say his goodbyes” to his Liverpool teammates today and then fly to Germany for his medical ahead of the move.

Liverpool had initially hoped for a higher offer closer to the £75 million they paid Benfica in 2022, but Al-Hilal’s structure, including lucrative performance-related clauses, has proven more acceptable than Napoli’s proposal, which Dominic King stated was so underwhelming that “they wouldn’t have paid anything until 2026.”

A Polarising Figure at Anfield

Darwin Núñez arrived with fanfare and immense expectation. His physicality, work rate and moments of brilliance made him a player capable of electric moments, yet he never consistently found the composure required to lead Liverpool’s front line.

While his stats show contribution, his time was punctuated by inconsistent finishing and missed opportunities. Still, he offered unpredictability, something Slot often used to destabilise defensive lines.

Despite Liverpool winning the Premier League title in Slot’s debut season, Núñez struggled to cement a consistent starting role. His omission from key fixtures towards the end of the campaign hinted at a possible exit. Now, with Liverpool’s attack set to be reshaped, the club have decided to cash in.

Saudi Interest Grows with Purpose

Núñez’s move to Al-Hilal continues the Saudi Pro League’s push for elite talent in Europe. At just 26, Darwin becomes one of the youngest high-profile signings in the league’s new era. His decision will likely raise eyebrows across Europe, but Al-Hilal are offering not just wages, but a platform.

It’s also worth noting the player himself appeared increasingly disconnected during pre-season, and sources close to the club suggest his departure had been in motion for weeks.

Liverpool’s Forward Line Now Under Scrutiny

Núñez’s exit poses questions for Arne Slot. With Diogo Jota tragically lost in July, Liverpool’s depth in attack has taken a significant hit. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah remain, but none offer the central physicality Núñez brought.

Liverpool have money to reinvest, but sourcing a striker with Núñez’s profile — and potential — in this window will not be straightforward with Alexander Isak remaining the top target. There is confidence internally that a replacement is being targeted, but urgency is growing.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool supporters, this deal brings mixed emotions. Núñez was never boring, and for many, that chaotic energy made him unique in our squad. Yes, he missed chances. Yes, he was frustrating. But he also gave us moments that lifted the Kop, that made you jump off your seat.

His smile, his hustle, the way he celebrated goals like it was his first ever — that matters to fans. It’s hard to see him go when it feels like his story at Liverpool isn’t finished. Some of us truly believed with time and trust, he could be world-class.

The timing stings too. With Jota’s devastating loss, the attacking depth is suddenly thinner than ever. Selling Darwin now, with no immediate replacement, seems risky. But maybe the club knows more than we do behind the scenes.

We trust Arne Slot. He proved us wrong when he lifted the title in May. If this is part of a bigger plan, we’re on board. But it doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.

Thanks for the memories, Darwin. You never gave us dull football — and that’s more than most can say.