Darwin Núñez's transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has been finalized, with the striker set to join the club on a contract until 2028. Liverpool will receive an initial fee of £46.2 million, with additional add-ons possible, marking a significant sale for the club. Núñez, who joined Liverpool in 2022 from Benfica for a rising fee that could reach £85 million, struggled to consistently meet expectations, although his work ethic won fan appreciation over time.
Al Hilal's interest intensified following the appointment of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, who identified Núñez as a target to strengthen the squad. Despite earlier reported interest from Napoli, who were unwilling to meet Liverpool's valuation, Liverpool prioritized a transfer this summer to align with new manager Arne Slot's vision for an upgraded squad. The transfer agreement was confirmed with the Uruguayan striker's approval, pending a medical examination once paperwork is completed.
Financially, the move represents a considerable wage increase for Núñez. While at Liverpool, he earned a net wage of just under €4.6 million (£4 million) for the 2024/25 season, the deal with Al Hilal reportedly offers him around €15 million net annually, a more than threefold increase. This substantial raise underscores the growing financial power of Saudi clubs in securing talent from European leagues.
For Liverpool, the sale of Núñez is part of a broader squad overhaul following their recent Premier League title win, with several key players departing, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz. The transfer also clears the way for new forwards to join, as Liverpool looks to refine its attacking options for the upcoming season.