Liverpool's Premier League top scorer, Darwin Nunez, transfers to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club
Darwin Núñez Joins Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia
In a surprising turn of events, Darwin Núñez has completed a permanent transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal for a reported fee of around €53 million ($62 million). This move brings an end to Núñez's three-year stint at Liverpool, where he made 143 appearances and scored 40 goals.
The transfer marks a growing trend of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia, with the Saudi Pro League attracting top talent through lucrative contracts. Notable players who have made similar moves include Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr before Núñez's transfer, and other major European stars.
During his time at Liverpool, Núñez was a key player, notably winning the Premier League title last season. However, his opportunities dwindled towards the end of the 2022-2023 season, with Núñez making only one league start from the turn of the year and scoring just seven goals in 47 total appearances last term.
Al-Hilal, a club with a rich history, has won a record 19 Saudi league titles and four Asian championships. Despite their impressive track record, they were beaten to the title by Al-Ittihad last season. The club boasts marquee players such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo, and Alesandar Mitrovic.
Simone Inzaghi, a two-time Champions League runner-up, is the coach of Al-Hilal. The club made headlines recently by eliminating Manchester City at the Club World Cup. There were also reports of interest in former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for Al-Hilal, and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes rejected a move to Al-Hilal before the Club World Cup in June.
Interestingly, Al-Hilal released Brazil great Neymar in January, signalling their intent to continue attracting top talent. Núñez's move to Al-Hilal underscores the financial strength and competitive appeal Saudi clubs now hold in the global football market.
References:
- BBC Sport
- Liverpool FC
- ESPN
- Al Jazeera
- The Guardian
- Newly signed footballer Darwin Núñez, previously of Premier League champions Liverpool, joins European leagues to play for Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, a club also home to stars like Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergio Milinkovic-Savic, and Alexandre Mitrovic.
- The transfer of Núñez to Al-Hilal in Toronto highlights a recent trend of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia, following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
- Fans of European football leagues, including the Premier League, are now buzzing about the increasing presence of marquee players in Saudi Arabia's domestic leagues.
