Journalist: £59m Liverpool Forward ‘Expected’ to Leave with Replacements Already Lined Up | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez Exit Looms as Liverpool Set Firm Asking Price Amid Saudi and European Interest

Darwin Nunez’s turbulent spell at Anfield looks to be nearing its conclusion, with Liverpool understood to be actively exploring a sale of the 25-year-old striker. As reported by Ben Jacobs for talkSPORT, the Reds are seeking upwards of £59 million, with interest from Saudi Arabia and Europe already growing.

Al Hilal have contacted Liverpool to inquire about the terms of a deal, following a rejected €70 million (£59 million) bid from Al Nassr in January. That offer now forms the baseline for Liverpool’s valuation, which appears consistent regardless of where the offer originates.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s CEO of Football and sporting director respectively, opted to retain Nunez through the 2024/25 season in pursuit of Premier League success, a gamble that paid off with Arne Slot’s title-winning debut campaign. Yet with just five league goals in 30 appearances, Nunez’s form failed to hit the heights needed.

Statistical Return Adds Complexity to Decision

Nunez’s raw numbers underline the dilemma for Liverpool. In 49 starts, he returned 25 goals and 13 assists – roughly a goal every two games and an assist every four. While respectable, those figures fail to justify the £85 million club-record fee paid to Benfica in 2022.

His seven goals in 47 matches across all competitions in 2024/25 marked his lowest return since 2019, raising concerns over long-term value. With three years left on his current contract, Liverpool are keen to maximise any return before his value declines further.

Anfield insiders reportedly accept a financial loss is inevitable, but the club is determined not to undersell the player, especially as plans to sign another forward are already under way.

Replacement Options Under Evaluation

Liverpool’s recruitment team are already weighing up potential successors, with Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro under consideration. These targets represent a younger profile with room for growth, aligning with the club’s long-term planning model under Edwards and Hughes.

It’s clear that Nunez is open to a fresh start. “Nunez has not closed the door on a move to the Saudi Pro League,” reported talkSPORT, but there is also interest from Atletico Madrid, and the striker is said to be interested in Spain or Italy.

Al Hilal’s enquiry, while partly prompted by urgency ahead of the Club World Cup, signals Saudi ambition remains undeterred. Should no European club meet Liverpool’s valuation, a Saudi switch remains likely.

Transfer Stance Reflects FSG Strategy

FSG’s decision to demand a minimum £59 million reflects both business pragmatism and strategic planning. There is little sense in rushing a deal when the market is still forming, especially with Slot’s attacking system now firmly embedded.

While fans will question how such a high-profile signing has underwhelmed, the club’s proactive approach to finding a buyer and lining up replacements signals a calculated transition rather than a panic sale.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool journey has been one of contradictions. On his best days, he unsettled defenders with relentless pace, direct running and unpredictable energy. But too often, that promise dissolved into frustration, as composure and decision-making let him down in key moments.

The numbers don’t lie. A return of five league goals in a season where Liverpool lifted the title under Arne Slot simply isn’t good enough for a central striker in a side with that level of attacking talent. He had the chances, the support and the platform – but never quite looked settled or clinical.

While some fans may still hope for a turnaround, the reality is that Liverpool are no longer in a position to wait. If an acceptable bid lands early in the window, moving on makes sense. Crucially, the club’s refusal to accept less than £59 million shows they’ve learned from past exits where value was lost.

Replacing him won’t be easy, but with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes now overseeing recruitment again, there’s cautious optimism that Liverpool can upgrade intelligently. Alexander Isak or Benjamin Sesko would both excite fans and better fit the system.

Darwin may go on to thrive elsewhere – and many would wish him well – but at Anfield, his chapter looks close to ending.