Darwin Nunez completes €65m transfer from Liverpool to Al Hilal | OneFootball

Al Hilal have finalised the signing of Darwin Nunez from Liverpool in a deal worth up to €65 million.

The Saudi Pro League club will pay an initial €53 million (£45.9 million) with performance-related add-ons expected to take the total to the higher figure.

Nunez travelled to Germany earlier in the week, where Al Hilal are holding a training camp, to complete his medical before the transfer was confirmed.

The move ends Nunez’s three-year spell at Anfield, having joined from Benfica in 2022 for an initial €75 million.

The 26-year-old made 143 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 40 goals and collecting Premier League and Carabao Cup winner’s medals.

He also scored on his competitive debut in the FA Community Shield against Manchester City, helping his side to victory.

His first season produced 15 goals in all competitions, followed by 18 in his second, including a memorable late double against Newcastle United early last term and two stoppage-time goals at Brentford that proved crucial in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.

Although Nunez remained an impactful option, his game time diminished under new head coach Arne Slot, starting just eight Premier League matches last season.

He had expressed a desire to leave in January, when Al Nassr made a €70 million approach, but Liverpool rejected the offer as they pursued the league title.

This summer, his representatives made it clear that he wanted a fresh challenge, prompting renewed interest from Saudi Arabia.

AC Milan and Napoli also monitored the situation, but neither could match Al Hilal’s financial proposal.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have already moved to bolster their forward line, signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, while a £110 million bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was rejected.

Further attacking additions are expected before the end of the window, with Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez also arriving to strengthen other areas of the squad.

In a statement, Liverpool thanked Nunez for his contributions and wished him well. ‘Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future,’ it read.

Nunez leaves England with two domestic trophies, a league title medal and a reputation for decisive moments.

Al Hilal will be hoping he can replicate that influence in the Saudi Pro League as they continue their high-profile recruitment drive.