Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool ‘in Talks’ Over £60.7m Deal for Forward | OneFootball

Liverpool in Advanced Talks with Al Hilal Over Darwin Nunez Sale: What It Means for the Reds

Fabrizio Romano has once again delivered the latest on Liverpool’s summer business, confirming that talks are ongoing between Al Hilal and Darwin Nunez’s representatives, with the Merseyside club open to a permanent transfer. While nothing is yet finalised, it appears that Nunez’s time at Anfield may be drawing to a close.

The 26-year-old striker, signed for a club-record fee in 2022, has struggled to fully settle under new head coach Arne Slot, despite glimpses of promise. His 2024/25 campaign yielded only 14 goal contributions, a steep drop from the 33 he registered under Jurgen Klopp in the previous season.

Nunez’s Future Under Slot in Serious Doubt

The numbers tell the story. Under Klopp, Nunez delivered a goal or assist every 91.69 minutes. Last season, that rate fell to one every 145.57 minutes. While his effort and energy on the pitch were never in doubt, Slot’s more structured tactical demands have not brought out the best in the Uruguayan.

Al Hilal Leading the Chase for the Striker

As per Romano, “discussions between Al Hilal and Darwin Nunez’s camp are still ongoing as Liverpool remain open to permanent sale”. The Saudi Pro League giants view Nunez as a priority target, and early signs suggest they may be willing to meet the club’s reported asking price.

Back in July, Empire of the Kop reported that Al Hilal were ready to meet Liverpool’s valuation of €70m (£60.7m). If the deal materialises at that figure, it would allow Liverpool to recover nearly the full amount they paid Benfica three years ago.

Clever Transfer Business Offsets Summer Outlay

Should both Nunez and Luis Diaz depart, the club could bring in over £120m in sales. While the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have pushed Liverpool’s summer spend well into nine figures, the anticipated outgoings are softening that financial blow.

“Securing a collective figure beyond the £120m mark for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez would have to be considered stellar business from Richard Hughes and Co.”

Liverpool’s proactive approach this summer has not only strengthened the squad but also shown a willingness to move on from projects that no longer fit. With plenty of PSR headroom to work within, the club’s recruitment team is striking a balance between ambition and prudence.

Nunez’s Preference Still Europe – But Time May Be Running Out

It’s worth noting that Nunez had been keen to stay in Europe. That remains a variable in play, and “it remains to be seen whether Nunez will even be prepared to make the move to Saudi Arabia.” Yet, the scale of Al Hilal’s offer, both financially and in terms of opportunity, could tip the scales.

If the transfer is completed, it will close a chapter filled with anticipation, frustration and flashes of brilliance. A move to Saudi Arabia may offer Nunez a fresh start, while Liverpool continue evolving under Slot.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will no doubt have mixed feelings about the latest development in Darwin Nunez’s future. There’s genuine affection for a player who gave his all, even if his performances were often divisive. Many will remember the chaos he brought to defences, and the hope that his raw attributes would be refined with time. But football moves quickly, and Slot’s tactical revolution leaves little room for sentimentality.

Nunez’s numbers last season weren’t just underwhelming, they were symptomatic of a player unsure of his role. With Ekitike and Wirtz now on board, and with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah still critical to the attack, it feels like Nunez is no longer a natural fit.

Financially, the move makes sense. Emotionally, it might sting a little.

If Al Hilal can meet the price, and Nunez accepts the move, Liverpool will have executed a rare clean exit for a big-money signing. More importantly, it shows how Slot is now shaping this squad in his image after a title-winning debut campaign.

The real question is whether we’ll look back and think we gave up too soon. Or, alternatively, whether this was one of the club’s smartest decisions post-Klopp.