Liverpool grant Darwin Núñez go-ahead for move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal

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View image in fullscreenLiverpool grant Darwin Núñez go-ahead for move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal

Deal for the 26-year-old forward is expected soon

Striker may still feature in Sunday’s Community Shield

Liverpool have given Darwin Núñez permission to negotiate a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal close to finalising a fee for the Uruguay international.

They remain in negotiations over a deal for the 26-year-old, who started eight Premier League games last season, but an agreement is expected to be reached quickly providing Núñez is open to the transfer.

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Milan and Napoli were interested in taking the centre-forward, but deterred by the finances involved.

Liverpool paid an initial £64m to sign Núñez from Benfica in 2022, with add-ons taking the deal to a potential club record £85m at the time, and have been looking to recoup about £60m.

The Premier League champions rejected a bid of about £60m from Al-Nassr in January as they prioritised winning the title over cashing in on a player who has struggled to adapt to Arne Slot’s system.

Al-Hilal’s offer is for an initial £46m, plus add-ons, although the final structure has yet to be agreed.

Núñez would be a statement signing for Al-Hilal, as a high-profile forward in the prime of his career.

They are at a training camp in Germany and Núñez could meet Al-Hilal officials there.

He will remain part of plans for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on Sunday if he is not sold.

A deal for Núñez would take Liverpool’s income from player sales past the £250m mark since Richard Hughes started as sporting director last summer.