Uruguayan forward Nunez Transfers to Saudi Club Al-Hilal from Liverpool F.C.
In a groundbreaking move for Asian football, Al-Hilal, under the guidance of former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, has announced the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez from Liverpool FC. This transfer marks the first time an Asian club has defeated a Premier League side in an official match and also represents a significant transfer from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League.
The deal, worth a fixed £46.2 million (€53 million), could potentially rise to £56.6 million (€65 million) with add-ons. Núñez has signed a permanent deal with Al-Hilal, subject to international clearance, following three seasons at Liverpool where he made 143 appearances and scored 40 goals.
Prior to this move, Núñez had attracted interest from clubs such as AC Milan and Napoli, but Liverpool FC rejected these bids due to valuation or payment terms. Notably, Liverpool had originally paid Benfica £65.6 million (€75 million) for Núñez in 2022.
Meanwhile, Liverpool FC has also bolstered its squad with the signing of French forward Hugo Ekitike for 69 million plus add-ons. The club has also secured the services of Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee of up to 116 million pounds.
During Liverpool's title-winning campaign last season, Núñez started only eight league matches and scored five times. Despite limited game time, his impact was significant, as he also provided 26 assists in all competitions.
Al-Hilal, with Núñez on board, is aiming to secure a record-extending 20th league title this season. The club recently made headlines by defeating Manchester City at the Club World Cup last month. Their other high-profile signing of the transfer window was Theo Hernandez, who joined from AC Milan.
As Núñez joins Al-Hilal during their current pre-season training camp in Germany, Liverpool FC's departure of the striker is helping finance their close-season outlay of almost 300 million pounds. Núñez previously played for Liverpool, having joined them in June 2022 from Benfica.
With these strategic signings, both clubs are gearing up for an exciting new season, promising intense competition and high-quality football.
The transfer of Darwin Núñez from Liverpool FC to Al-Hilal, worth £46.2 million (€53 million), has marked a significant shift in sports news, particularly in football. Despite interest from clubs like AC Milan and Napoli, Liverpool FC previously rejected their bids. Núñez's impact at Liverpool, though limited in league matches, was evident with five goals and 26 assists in all competitions last season. His departure from Liverpool is helping finance their extensive financial outlay during the off-season. Meanwhile, Liverpool FC has strengthened their squad with the signings of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, both for hefty fees. Al-Hilal, with Núñez on board, is aiming to defend their title in the Saudi Pro League, following their victory over Manchester City at the Club World Cup last month. This transfer and the subsequent signings by both clubs indicate heightened competition and promise a captivating season in European-leagues and the Premier League.
