
Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Hilal has reached out to Liverpool regarding a transfer for Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez.
However, it appears that Núñez is keen on staying in Europe, with Atlético Madrid showing interest as well.
While Liverpool celebrated their Premier League victory, Núñez’s performance fell short of expectations.
The former Benfica star only managed to score five league goals, marking his lowest tally since moving from Peñarol to Europe five years ago.
Manager Arne Slot gave Núñez just eight starting appearances in the top tier, opting instead for Diogo Jota, Luis DÃaz, and even midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones to fill the attacking roles.
Reports from The Athletic suggest Liverpool rejected a proposal from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for their underperforming forward during the January transfer window.
Given the lack of investment and the ongoing title race, it didn’t make sense to weaken the squad further.
Now, Al Hilal seems eager to entice Núñez to the Middle East.
The starting price for Núñez is expected to be set at £59 million ($80.3 million)—matching the offer Al Hilal made in January.
However, Núñez has not done much to boost his market value over the past five months, contributing only one goal and as many assists in 18 games since February.
Al Hilal’s urgency has also decreased significantly. After Tuesday’s transfer deadline, teams involved in the Club World Cup will be unable to bring in new players until the next registration window opens between June 27 and July 3, just ahead of the knockout stages.
Al Hilal is among the underdogs to watch this summer and may end up trailing Real Madrid in Group H.
Additionally, Atlético Madrid remains a potential destination for Núñez, who is reportedly prioritizing a move to Spain and has already taken steps to relocate his family there.