Saudi’s Al-Hilal Ready to Sign Reds’ Record Signing | OneFootball

Nunez Set for Early Liverpool Exit as Al-Hilal Circle

Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool journey looks set to reach an early conclusion, with Saudi giants Al-Hilal poised to make a move before the summer officially begins. The Uruguayan forward is understood to be on the brink of an Anfield exit, and his departure could arrive sooner than many anticipated.

Change in Slot’s System Marginalises Nunez

Since Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool, Nunez has found himself increasingly on the periphery. Despite flashes of potential, the striker has fallen behind in the Dutch manager’s attacking pecking order. Luis Diaz has been preferred in a central role, with Slot reportedly questioning Nunez’s work rate – a startling development for a player once lauded for his intensity and effort.

It’s a sharp contrast to last season, when Nunez was seen as a cornerstone of the Reds’ future. But recent months have shown regression rather than progress, with the 24-year-old struggling for form and consistency.

Photo: IMAGO

Al-Hilal Leading Race for Signature

As first reported by Anfield Watch back in January, Al-Hilal had already tabled a substantial offer for Nunez – an offer the player was keen to accept. At the time, Liverpool resisted the bid, unwilling to lose a key attacking option mid-season without receiving an extraordinary fee.

Now, with the campaign drawing to a close, circumstances have shifted. Al-Hilal remain intent on securing the forward’s services and are expected to reignite their pursuit once Liverpool’s season wraps up. Their motive is clear: bolstering their squad ahead of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer.

Early Transfer Window Opens Door

Crucially, clubs involved in the FIFA Club World Cup – including Al-Hilal – have been granted access to a unique transfer window from June 1st to June 10th. Although the Premier League has since extended this to all its clubs, the window provides an opportunity for early business to be conducted before the traditional summer window begins on June 21st.

Al-Hilal are determined to take advantage of this and want Nunez in place as soon as possible. With Atletico Madrid also expressing interest – and likewise competing in the Club World Cup – the Saudi club are pushing to seal the deal quickly and fend off competition.

Liverpool Likely to Sanction Move

It now appears increasingly unlikely that Nunez will be a Liverpool player beyond this season. With tensions reportedly rising behind the scenes and the player’s motivation dipping, a summer move benefits all parties. “We wrote back in January that he had ‘four months to save his Anfield career’ but we’re not sure all of them are necessary.”

If Al-Hilal’s bid lands early in June, as expected, the Reds may be open to a swift agreement. With their own summer rebuild on the horizon, cashing in on Nunez could provide both funds and clarity heading into 2025.

“Nunez looks like an absolute certainty to leave this summer. It might even happen before summer starts.” And with Al-Hilal’s timeline aligning perfectly with Liverpool’s need to restructure, the deal could move fast – very fast.